Different agonist binding properties of M1 and M2 muscarinic receptors in calf brain cortex membranes

The muscarinic antagonist 1-[benzilic 4,4'-3H]-quinuclidinyl benzilate [3H]-QNB) bound to a single class of non-cooperative sites in calf cerebral cortex membranes (KD = 0.29 nM and Bmax = 1.06 pM/mg protein). Computer-assisted analysis of the shallow pirenzepine/[3H]-QNB competition binding curves indicated that 68% of these sites were of the M1-subtype and the remaining 32% of the M2 subtype. Respective Ki-values for pirenzepine were 27 nM and 1.14 microM. Binding characteristics of the antagonist atropine and of the agonist carbachol for M2 were evaluated by performing competition binding with 0.5 nM [3H]-QNB in the presence of 2 microM pirenzepine. The binding characteristics for the M1 receptors were obtained indirectly by subtracting the curve for M2 from the total curve, or directly by competition binding with 0.3 nM [3H]-pirenzepine. Atropine competition curves were steep for M1 and M2 and were not affected by 1 mM GTP nor by 1 mM N-ethylmaleimide. The carbachol competition curve was shallow for M2. The steep curves for M1 indicate that this receptor subclass was only composed of low agonist affinity sites. GTP, which caused a rightward shift and a steepening of the carbachol competition curve for M2, did not affect the curves for M1. N-ethylmaleimide provoked a leftward shift and a steepening of the carbachol competition curve for M2 and abolished GTP modulation. A leftward shift was also observed for M1, but of a smaller magnitude (i.e. 3-4-fold for M1 compared to 17-fold for M2). These data suggest that, in calf brain cortex, M1 and M2 receptors show different susceptibility towards GTP and N-ethylmaleimide modulation.     

Inhibition of GTPase activity of Gi proteins and decreased agonist affinity at M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by spermine and methoctramine.

1. The effects of spermine and methoctramine, a selective M2 muscarinic receptor antagonist, were studied on the high-affinity GTPase activity of G proteins, and on ligand binding to M2 muscarinic receptors in pig heart sarcolemma. 2. The spontaneous GTP hydrolysis by pig heart sarcolemma and its stimulation by mastoparan or carbachol were prevented by pertussis toxin and inhibited by methoctramine (IC50s: 21, 13 and 0.005 microM, respectively), and spermine (IC50s: 967, 278 and 11 microM). Spermine and methoctramine also inhibited spontaneous GTP hydrolysis by rat peritoneal mast cell membranes which do not respond to carbachol. 3. The neutral muscarinic antagonists, AF-DX 116 and atropine, did not modify the inhibitory effect of high concentrations of methoctramine, indicating that this effect was not related to the antagonist binding site of muscarinic receptors. We suggest that methoctramine behaves as a receptor antagonist at nanomolar concentrations and interacts with G proteins at micromolar concentrations. 4. Spermine did not modify the binding of the tritiated muscarinic antagonist [3H]-NMS, but decreased the binding of the agonist [3H]-Oxo-M. Spermine elicited a rightward shift of the carbachol/[3H]-NMS binding isotherm with a decrease in the proportion of sites with high-affinity for carbachol, suggesting that polyamines uncouple Gi proteins from receptors. 5. The inhibition of GTPase activity by polyamines, preventing the re-association of alpha and betagamma subunits of Gi proteins, might sustain the regulatory effect of Gi subunits on downstream effectors. The level of intracellular polyamines might be important for the control of the transduction of extracellular signals through Gi protein-coupled receptors.     

Lithium does not alter ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go catalyzed by pertussis toxin in rat brain.

The influences of lithium in vitro and ex vivo on the ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go catalyzed by pertussis toxin (islet-activating protein, IAP) were investigated in cerebral cortical and hippocampal membranes from rats. Incorporation of [32P]ADP-ribose into 40-41 kDa band catalyzed by IAP was markedly reduced by the addition of non-hydrolyzable GTP analogue, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) or guanosine 5'-(beta, gamma-imido)triphosphate [Gpp(NH)p], in the presence of MgCl2 but not in the absence of MgCl2. The amounts of IAP-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go in the presence of 100 microM guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S) and 50 mM EDTA and in the absence of MgCl2 were in proportion to the protein contents between 30 and 60 micrograms/tube, suggesting that the determination of [32P]ADP-ribosylation could be used quantitatively within this limited range. Addition of LiCl in vitro did not affect the IAP-mediated ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go up to the concentration of 5 mM. The values of ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go in the presence of 100 microM GTP gamma S were reduced by MgCl2 concentration-dependently. However, this inhibitory effect of MgCl2 was not influenced by 2 mM LiCl in vitro. Furthermore, chronic treatment with a diet containing 0.2% lithium carbonate did not alter the [32P]ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go catalyzed by IAP.     

Guanylnucleotide specificity for muscarinic receptor inhibitory coupling to cardiac adenylate cyclase.

The guanylnucleotide specificity of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (MR) inhibitory coupling to cardiac adenylate cyclase (AC) was investigated under low MgCl2 (i.e., 0.5 mM) conditions. In purified cardiac sarcolemma, carbachol maximally inhibited AC activity 60% in the presence of GTP. Carbachol-dependent inhibition in the presence of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate (GTP gamma S) or guanylylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p] was of lesser magnitude (i.e., 30%) and was evident only during short incubation periods. Of greater interest, carbachol maximally inhibited AC activity in the presence of GDP and guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate (GDP beta S) by 35 and 60%, respectively. Control studies ruled out transphosphorylation of GDP and GDP beta S by nucleoside diphosphate kinase or guanylnucleoside triphosphate contamination as reasons for the inhibitory effects of GDP and GDP beta S. Furthermore, isoproterenol stimulated AC in the presence of GTP, GTP gamma S, and Gpp(NH)p but not in the presence of GDP or GDP beta S. Therefore, GDP and GDP beta S may serve as agonists on MR-activated Gi but not on beta-adrenergic receptor-activated Gs in these membranes. Time course studies revealed that carbachol-dependent inhibition of AC in the presence of either GTP or GDP occurred without a detectable lag period, and this inhibition was rapidly reversed by atropine. In contrast, a 1-2-min lag time was required for carbachol- and GDP beta S-dependent inhibition of AC to occur, and inhibition, once developed, was only partially and slowly reversed by atropine. Preincubation of sarcolemma with carbachol and GDP beta S, in the absence of ATP or under nonphosphorylating conditions, eliminated the lag time for inhibition of AC activity. Although it is unlikely that GDP and GDP beta S have physiological relevance of MR-Gi-AC coupling, these studies provide unique insights into this coupling mechanism in cardiac membranes.     

Lithium Does Not Alter ADP-Ribosylation of Gi/Go Catalyzed by Pertussis Toxin in Rat Brain

Abstract: The influences of lithium in vitro and ex vivo on the ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go catalyzed by pertussis toxin (islet-activating protein, IAP) were investigated in cerebral cortical and hippocampal membranes from rats. Incorporation of [³²P]ADP-ribose into 40–4. kDa band catalyzed by IAP was markedly reduced by the addition of non-hydrolyzable GTP analogue, guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) or guanosine 5′-(β, γ-imido)triphosphate [Gpp(NH)p], in the presence of MgCl₂ but not in the absence of MgCl₂. The amounts of IAP-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go in the presence of 100 μM guanosine 5′-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDPβS) and 50 mM EDTA and in the absence of MgCl₂ were in proportion to the protein contents between 30 and 60 μg/tube, suggesting that the determination of [³²P]ADP-ribosylation could be used quantitatively within this limited range. Addition of LiCl in vitro did not affect the IAP-mediated ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go up to the concentration of 5 mM. The values of ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go in the presence of 100 μM GTPγS were reduced by MgCl₂ concentration-dependently. However, this inhibitory effect of MgCl₂ was not influenced by 2 mM LiCl in vitro. Furthermore, chronic treatment with a diet containing 0.2% lithium carbonate did not alter the [³²P]ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go catalyzed by IAP.     

The interaction between D-2 dopamine receptors and GTP-binding proteins

D-2 dopamine receptors were solubilized from porcine striatal membranes with 0.3% sodium cholate/1 M NaCl and separated from the bulk of the guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G-proteins) by Ultrogel AcA34 gel filtration chromatography. The partially purified D-2 receptors were reconstituted in phospholipid vesicles with Gi or Go purified from porcine brain. The dissociation constant (Kd) of the D-2 receptors in the reconstituted vesicles for [3H]spiperone binding was 82-89 pm, which was not affected by the presence or absence of G-proteins. The displacement curve for [3H]spiperone/dopamine was analyzed, assuming that there are two populations of binding sites. The Kd values for the binding sites with high affinity for agonists (HAS) and that for the binding sites with low affinity for agonists (LAS) were approximately 1 microM and 100 microM, respectively. The proportion of HAS was 8% when the receptor preparation was reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles without G-proteins, but it increased to 58-64% with increasing G-protein concentrations. The potency of Go was a little higher than that of Gi. The proportion of HAS in the presence of G-proteins decreased to about 11% on addition of GTP. When G-proteins were treated with islet-activating protein, GTP-sensitive HAS were not observed. These results indicate that at least 50% of the partially purified D-2 receptors interact with both Gi and Go.     

Binding of [3H]-p-aminoclonidine to alpha 2-adrenoceptor states plus a non-adrenergic site on human platelet plasma membranes.

Characterization of the binding of [3H]p-aminoclonidine ([3H]PAC) to purified plasma membranes from human platelets has revealed multiple binding sites. [3H]PAC identified site-1 in the picomolar affinity range (site-1 KD estimates ranged from 13 to 94 pM). Site-1 displayed a rank order of competition by various compounds for [3H]PAC, indicative of an alpha 2-adrenoceptor, and was sensitive to 0.1 mM GTP. [3H]PAC also identified a second site with nanomolar affinity (site-2 KD estimates ranged from 0.7 to 1.7 nM). In the presence of 0.1 mM GTP, site-2 was not diminished significantly. Also in contrast to site-1, site-2 displayed low affinity for yohimbine (YOH), (-)-epinephrine and (-)-norepinephrine (NE). Therefore, site-2 could not be an active alpha 2-adrenoceptor; instead it had properties similar to a previously reported imidazoline-preferring binding site. A third site (site-3) bound [3H]PAC with a KD for site-3 of 26.6 +/- 10.0 nM (SD). Site-3 had a rank order of competition by various compounds for 5 nM [3H]yohimbine ([3H]YOH) binding which was indicative of an alpha 2-adrenoceptor. (-)-NE competed for 5 nM [3H]YOH binding at two sites: site-1 Ki = 32 pM, site-3 Ki = 239 nM. Treatment with 0.1 mM GTP completely removed site-1 and transferred the competitive binding of (-)-NE to low affinity (Ki = 437 nM). Thus, site-3 appears to be a free alpha 2-adrenoceptor. Bmax estimates for untreated membranes, derived from simultaneous multi-experiment curve-fitting analyses, were site-1 = 36 +/- 29 fmol/mg plasma membrane protein, site-2 = 95 +/- 34 fmol/mg and site-3 = 154 +/- 35 fmol/mg. We are the first to report a site for [3H]PAC binding on platelets (site-2) with properties uncharacteristic of an adrenoceptor. This observation appears to be due to our use of purified plasma membrane and low ionic strength buffer. These studies relate to reports of increased binding of [3H]PAC to platelets from depressed patients.     

Guanosine 5'-triphosphate converts some populations of propylbenzilylcholine mustard-sensitive muscarinic cholinoceptor sites to sites resistant to the drug in intestinal smooth muscle.

From functional studies with propylbenzilylcholine mustard (PrBCM), we reported that there coexist PrBCM-sensitive and PrBCM-resistant muscarinic cholinoceptor mechanisms in guinea pig taenia caecum. We investigated the interrelationship between these two cholinoceptor mechanisms using an in vitro receptor binding assay with [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) and [3H]PrBCM. Pretreatment of the muscle strips with 300 nM PrBCM (in vivo alkylation) for 10-50 min resulted in progressive decreases of the number of the maximum [3H]QNB binding sites. However, a prolongation of the period of in vivo alkylation up to 90 min was accompanied with no further loss in the binding sites. Under these conditions, there is no significant change in the affinity of [3H]QNB for the binding sites. The concentration of carbachol required to displace 50% of the bound [3H]QNB was larger in membranes obtained from the tissues that had been alkylated in vivo with PrBCM for 50 min than that from control strips, but was not altered when the pretreatment with the drug was carried out after homogenization (in vitro alkylation). When GTP was added during in vitro alkylation, the affinity of carbachol was lower than that in control membranes, as observed when in vivo alkylation was carried out. In the presence of guanine nucleotide, PrBCM thus appears to recognize two distinct populations or states of muscarinic receptors.     

High-affinity bradykinin B2 binding sites sensitive to guanine nucleotides in bovine aortic endothelial cells.

Bradykinin (BK) binding sites were studied in membranes from bovine aorta. [3H]BK specifically bound to one high-affinity binding site (KD = 152 pM; Bmax = 4.6 fmol.mg-1) and was displaced by unlabeled BK (Ki = 121 pM). The B2-agonist kallidin and B2-antagonists D-Arg0[Hyp3,Leu5,8,Gly6,D-Phe7]BK, D-Arg0[Hyp3,D-Phe7]BK, [D-Phe7]BK, and [Thi5,8,D-Phe7]BK inhibited [3H]BK binding with respective Ki values of 101, 282, 678, 2000 and 6000 pM. The B1-antagonist des-Arg9[Leu8]BK had no effect. GTP, GTP gamma S, GDP, and GDP beta S but not 5'-GMP, guanosine, cyclic 3',5'-GMP, ATP, ADP, 5'-AMP, nor adenosine, inhibited [3H]BK binding with an IC50 of 1-3 microM for GTP and GDP and an IC50 of 0.1-0.3 microM for GTP gamma S and GDP beta S. GTP and GDP at 3 microM decreased the Bmax value by 30-70%. Millimolar concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions increased [3H]BK binding and counteracted the effect of guanine nucleotides. This study demonstrates the existence of a specific high-affinity B2 BK binding site in bovine aortic endothelial cells. It suggests that this site is located on a G protein-interacting receptor.     

Reconstitution of muscarinic receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase

Inhibition of bovine brain calmodulin-sensitive adenylyl cyclase was examined in a system consisting of the reconstituted purified porcine atrial muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, the purified inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Gi), and the partially purified stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein.adenylyl cyclase complex. Under conditions where Gi existed mainly as the Gi.GDP complex, adenylyl cyclase was selectively preactivated with guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S). Addition of carbachol formed the receptor.carbachol complex, which catalyzed the exchange of GDP bound to Gi for GTP gamma S, initiating Gi-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Adenylyl cyclase activated by calcium plus calmodulin was more sensitive to inhibition by carbachol than either unstimulated adenylyl cyclase or adenylyl cyclase activated by GTP gamma S or forskolin. Studies using the resolved subunits of Gi showed that the beta gamma subunit could inhibit adenylyl cyclase activated by GTP gamma S or calcium plus calmodulin, as well as the unactivated enzyme. The alpha subunit of Gi inhibited adenylyl cyclase only when adenylyl cyclase was activated by calcium plus calmodulin. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.     

Inverse agonist activity of pirenzepine at M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors

1. The intrinsic properties of muscarinic ligands were studied through their binding properties and their abilities to modulate the GTPase activity of G proteins coupled to muscarinic M2 receptors in pig atrial sarcolemma. 2. Competition binding experiments were performed with [3H]-oxotremorine-M to assess the affinity of receptors coupled to G proteins (R*), with [3H]-N-methylscopolamine ([3H]-NMS) to estimate the affinities of coupled and uncoupled receptors (R*+R) and with [3H]-NMS in the presence of GppNHp to assess the affinity of uncoupled receptors (R). 3. The ranking of Ki values for the agonist carbachol was R*R*+R>R (174, 155, 115 nM), suggesting inverse agonism. 4. The Vmax of the basal high affinity GTPase activity of pig atrial sarcolemma was increased by mastoparan and decreased by GPAnt-2 indicating the relevance of this activity to G proteins coupled to receptors (R*). The K(M) value (0.26-0.33 microM) was not modified by mastoparan or GPAnt-2. 5. Carbachol increased the Vmax of GTP hydrolysis (EC50 8.1+/-0.3 microM), whereas atropine and AF-DX 116, up to 1 mM, did not modify it. Pirenzepine decreased the Vmax of GTP hydrolysis (EC50 77.5+/-10.3 microM). This effect was enhanced when KCI was substituted for NaCl (EC50 11.0+/-0.8 microM) and was antagonized by atropine and AF-DX 116 (IC50 0.91+/-0.71 and 197+/-85 nM). 6. Pirenzepine is proposed as an inverse agonist and atropine and AF-DX 116 as neutral antagonists at the muscarinic M2 receptor.     

3H]rauwolscine behaves as an agonist for the 5-HT1A receptors in human frontal cortex membranes.

The alpha 2 adrenergic antagonist [3H]rauwolscine binds with comparable nanomolar affinity to alpha 2 adrenoceptors and the nonadrenergic 5-HT1A receptors sites in human frontal cortex membranes. Addition of 0.5 mM GTP into the incubation medium produces a significant decrease in the amount of [3H]rauwolscine binding sites (Bmax = 230 +/- 16 and 115 +/- 11 fmol/mg protein in the absence and presence of GTP, respectively). The affinity for [3H]rauwolscine remains unchanged (i.e. KD = 40 +/- 0.9 nM and 4.1 +/- 1 nM). This effect of GTP can be attributed to decreased binding of the radioligand to the 5-HT1A receptors. GTP decreases binding of [3H]rauwolscine to nearly the same level as the one corresponding to the alpha 2 adrenoceptors in membranes from both the human frontal cortex and hippocampus. The venom of the marine cone snail, Conus tessulatus, preferentially inhibits [3H]rauwolscine binding to 5-HT1A receptors as compared with the alpha 2 adrenoceptors. Following complete masking of the 5-HT1A receptors by this venom. GTP no longer affects the saturation binding characteristics of [3H]rauwolscine for the remaining alpha 2 adrenoceptors. Nucleotides decrease the binding of [3H]rauwolscine to the 5-HT1A receptors with an order of potencies (i.e. GTP gamma S greater than GPP(NH)P much greater than GDP greater than GTP much greater than ATP) that is typical for nucleotide-mediated receptor-G protein dissociation. This suggests that [3H]rauwolscine is a 5-HT1A receptor agonist and this conclusion is compatible with earlier functional studies, indicating that rauwolscine (as well as yohimbine) has agonistic properties at the level of 5-HT autoreceptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Nucleoside transport in guinea pig myocytes. Comparison of the affinities and transport velocities for adenosine and 2-chloroadenosine

The affinities of adenosine and 2-chloroadenosine for the nucleoside transport system of guinea pig myocytes were evaluated indirectly by studying the inhibition of the binding of [3H]nitrobenzylthioinosine and directly by measuring the influx of [3H]radiolabeled substrates. Maximal transport velocities of the two nucleosides were also obtained. [3H]Nitrobenzylthioinosine bound to a single class of high-affinity sites (KD of 0.8 nM) which possessed a maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 870,000 sites/cell. Adenosine, 2-chloroadenosine or the nucleoside transport inhibitor, dipyridamole, competitively inhibited the site-specific binding of [3H]nitrobenzylthioinosine with Ki values of 318 microM, 22 microM and 75 nM respectively. Both [3H]adenosine and [3H]2-chloroadenosine entered myocytes in a saturable and inhibitible manner. Observed transport kinetic constants (Km and Vmax) were 146 microM and 24.2 pmoles/10(6) cells/sec, respectively, for adenosine and 36 microM and 11.7 pmoles/10(6) cells/sec, respectively for 2-chloroadenosine. Affinities of adenosine, 2-chloroadenosine, nitrobenzylthioinosine and dipyridamole for the nucleoside transport system derived from binding and influx methodologies were equivalent which confirms that [3H]nitrobenzylthioinosine binding sites are closely associated with the nucleoside transporter.     

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, unlike gamma-aminobutyric acid, does not stimulate Gi/Go proteins in rat brain membranes

gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid is a naturally occurring substance that may act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator to elicit several biological effects. Although the existence of a specific gamma-hydroxybutyric acid receptor has been postulated, the receptor protein itself has not been cloned yet. The current study was designed to elucidate whether gamma-hydroxybutyric acid receptors are functionally coupled with heterotrimeric G-proteins, especially Gi/Go family, by means of high-affinity GTPase activity and guanosine 5'-O-(3-[35S]thiotriphosphate) ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding assays in rat brain membranes. The stimulatory effects of GABAB receptor activation were always determined in parallel as a positive control. The selective GABAB receptor agonist (+/-)-baclofen stimulated the high-affinity GTPase activity in cerebral cortical, hippocampal, and striatal membranes, whereas gamma-hydroxybutyric acid was inactive up to 1 mM in these brain regions. The optimum assay conditions for [35S]GTPgammaS binding to detect a receptor-mediated activation of G-proteins at the greatest signal to noise ratio were then probed as to the concentrations of constituents in the assay mixture (GDP, MgCl2, and NaCl) and incubation period. Even under such an optimized experimental condition, [35S]GTPgammaS binding was not altered by gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in the membranes prepared from cerebral cortex or hippocampus. On the other hand, the specific [35S]GTPgammaS binding was increased by GABAB receptor agonists in a concentration-dependent manner, which was competitively inhibited by CGP54626, a selective GABAB receptor antagonist. These results indicate that gamma-hydroxybutyric acid receptors, if any, are not associated with G-proteins, at least Gi/Go family.     

Multiple agonist-affinity states of opioid receptors: regulation of binding by guanyl nucleotides in guinea pig cortical, NG108-15, and 7315c cell membranes

Multiple affinity states of opioid receptors of the mu and delta types have been identified in membranes prepared from cells which bear only one type of opioid receptor (mu receptors in 7315c cells, delta receptors in NG 108-15 cells), and in guinea pig cortical membranes where both types of receptors were present in the membrane preparations. States of mu and delta receptors which have agonist affinities too low to be identified by radiolabeled agonist have been measured indirectly by agonist competition for sites labeled by radioactive antagonist. Using analogues of guanyl nucleotides, we have examined the competition of the mu and delta agonists DAGO and DSLET against [3H]DIP or [3H]NAL binding to opioid receptors and identified several agonist affinity states. In the absence of added nucleotide, competition of DSLET for [3H]DIP binding to delta opioid receptors revealed the presence of two binding sites with differing apparent agonist affinities. Addition of GDP beta S produced a steep monophasic curve which was best fit by a one-site model. In contrast, in the presence of added GTP or GTP gamma S, two affinity states were again apparent for DSLET competition at the delta receptor. The competition curve with GTP was shifted to the right relative to that produced in the absence of added guanyl nucleotide, indicating the presence of a lower apparent affinity state than any observed under other treatment conditions. DAGO competed against [3H]DIP or [3H]NAL binding to mu receptors over a wide concentration range in the absence of added guanyl nucleotide, consistent with the occupation by this ligand of more than one agonist affinity state of the mu receptor. However, when GDP beta S was added to the incubation mixture, only a single binding site was identified. Two mu receptor affinity states were again observed in the presence of added GTP or GTP gamma S. One of these had significantly lower apparent affinity than those states detected in the absence of added nucleotide or with GDP beta S. Pertussis toxin treatment resulted in a monophasic agonist competition curve which was best fitted by a single-site model in both 7315c and NG108-15 cell membranes. Addition of 100 microM GTP did not affect the agonist Kapp or Bmax after pertussis toxin treatment, suggesting that sites labeled under these conditions were not functionally associated with a G protein. In general, the effects of guanyl nucleotides were qualitatively similar at mu and delta receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Characterization of the antimuscarinic effect of heptane-1,7-bis-(dimethyl-3'-phthalimidopropyl ammonium bromide)

The effect of heptane-1,7-bis-(dimethyl-3'-phthalimidopropyl ammonium bromide) (C7/3'-phthalimidopropyl), an alkane bisquaternary compound with muscarinic receptor blocking activity was studied in guinea-pig atria and ileal longitudinal muscle. C7/3'-phthalimidopropyl was a more potent inhibitor of atrial muscarinic receptors, the cardioselectivity being ca. 32-fold. Previous studies in guinea-pig atria have shown that its antimuscarinic effect was of an allosteric nature. In ileal longitudinal muscle C7/3'-phthalimidopropyl (3 to 100 microM) appeared to behave in a competitive manner towards carbachol but the combination of atropine or homatropine with C7/3'-phthalimidopropyl produced a supra-additive inhibitory effect on the responses to carbachol. In both atria and ileal longitudinal muscle homogenates, C7/3'-phthalimidopropyl also slowed the dissociation rate of [3H]QNB suggesting an allosteric mechanism. In binding studies using either [3H]QNB or [3H]oxo-M, C7/3'-phthalimidopropyl recognized two binding sites in atria and ileum. In both tissues, C7/3'-phthalimidopropyl bound with high affinity (ca. 30-70 nM) to 60-85% of the sites and with low affinity (ca. 1-9 microM) to the remaining sites. Correlation of these affinity constants with the dissociation constants obtained in functional studies in the two tissues is discussed.     

Interaction of the D2short dopamine receptor with G proteins: analysis of receptor/G protein selectivity

The human D(2short) (D(2S)) dopamine receptor has been expressed together with the G proteins Gi2 and Go in insect cells using the baculovirus system. Levels of receptor were determined using [3H]spiperone binding. Levels of G protein heterotrimer were determined using quantitative Western blot and using [35S]GTPgammaS saturation binding experiments. Levels of the receptor and G protein and the receptor/G protein ratio were similar in the two preparations. Stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding by a range of agonists occurred with higher relative efficacy and in some cases higher potency in the preparation expressing Go, indicating that interaction of the D(2S) receptor is more efficient with this G protein. The effects of various G protein-selective agents on 10,11-dihydroxy-N-n-propylnorapomorphine ([3H]NPA) binding were used to examine the receptor/G protein complex in the two preparations. Suramin inhibited [3H]NPA binding with slightly higher potency in the Gi2 preparation, whereas GppNHp inhibited [3H]NPA binding with greater potency ( approximately 6-fold) in the Go preparation. This may imply that the G protein is more readily activated in the D(2S)/Go preparation. [3H]Spiperone binding occurred with an increased B(max) in the presence of suramin in the Go preparation but not in the Gi2 preparation, suggesting a higher affinity interaction between the free receptor and this G protein. It is concluded that the higher efficiency activation of Go by the D(2S) receptor may be a function of higher affinity receptor/G protein interaction as well as a greater ability to activate the G protein.     

An effect of ischemia on myocardial dihydropyridine binding sites

The [3H]nitrendipine binding activity of sarcolemmal fragments isolated from aerobically perfused or ischemic rat hearts was studied. After 90 min aerobic perfusion, two populations of binding sites were detected--high affinity sites with KD of 0.24 +/- 0.04 nM and Bmax 313 +/- 110 fmol/mg protein, and low affinity sites with KD of 47.6 +/- 8.7 nM and Bmax 12.4 +/- 1.88 pmol/mg protein. Sixty minutes global ischemia significantly reduced the KD of the low (15.8 +/- 2.9 nM, P less than 0.03) but not of the high (0.22 +/- 0.05 nM) affinity sites. Under these same conditions the Bmax of both the high (82.4 +/- 14.5 fmol/mg protein, P less than 0.03) and low (6.1 +/- 1.7 pmol/mg protein, P less than 0.01) affinity binding sites was reduced but the sites retained their selectivity, with nifedipine displacing bound [3H]nitrendipine more potently than D600. Bay K 8644, when added upon reperfusion, promoted a dose-related increase in Ca2+ entry which was reduced by nifedipine, indicating that dihydropyridine binding sites can be activated after 60 min ischemia.     

Differential inactivation and G protein reconstitution of subtypes of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine binding sites in brain

The sulfhydryl reagents p-chloromercuribenzoate and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) inactivate high affinity [3H]serotonin [( 3H]5-HT) binding to bovine and rat brain membranes in a concentration-dependent manner. In both species, 15-25% of total specific high affinity [3H]5-HT binding is relatively insensitive to NEM. This study examines the NEM sensitivity of the various high affinity [3H]5-HT binding subtypes, using selective ligands, tissues, and pharmacological masks to study each subtype. Reconstitution of NEM-inactivated binding by addition of GTP-binding proteins (G proteins, Gi and Go) is also described. Agonist binding to 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1D sites in rat brain and to 5-HT1A and 5-HT1D sites in bovine brain is sensitive to NEM. Binding of [3H]dihydroergotamine and [125I]iodocyanopindolol, both of which are weak partial agonists to 5-HT1B sites is relatively insensitive to NEM. Binding of [3H]5-HT to 5-HT1C sites in rat and bovine brain and choroid plexus is relatively insensitive to NEM. In the presence of spiperone to mask binding of 5-HT2 sites, binding of antagonist [( 3H]mesulergine) to 5-HT1C sites is also insensitive to NEM. Likewise, binding of the agonist [3H]4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine and of the antagonist [3H]ketanserin to 5-HT2 sites is not inhibited by NEM treatment of membranes. These findings suggest that agonist binding to 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1D sites is sensitive to NEM alkylation. Binding of neither agonist nor antagonist to 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 sites is sensitive to NEM. Inability of high concentrations of a variety of ligands to protect the sensitive binding sites against NEM inactivation indicates that the critical sulfhydryl group(s) are not located in the ligand binding domain of the NEM-sensitive binding sites. When membranes are treated with NEM, displacement of [125I]iodocyanopindolol by 5-HT is no longer sensitive to 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p). Gpp(NH)p sensitivity of agonist displacement of 5-HT1B binding to NEM-treated membranes is restored by addition of purified guanine nucleotide binding proteins (Gi plus Go). In addition, NEM-inactivated binding to 5-HT1A and 5-HT1D sites can be restored by addition of Gi plus Go. These data suggest that NEM exerts its effects on 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1D binding sites by inactivating the G protein(s) associated with the 5-HT receptor subtypes.     

Amiodarone, verapamil, and quinidine do not affect equilibrium binding of digoxin.

The binding of [3H]digoxin to purified canine cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles was characterized. Scatchard analysis of saturation isotherms yielded linear plots with a maximal binding capacity of 174 +/- 31.9 pmol/mg, a dissociation constant of 31.7 +/- 4.59 nM, and a Hill coefficient of 0.947 +/- 0.02 (mean +/- SEM), suggesting that [3H]digoxin bound to a single class of sites. In contrast to their marked effect on steady-state serum digoxin levels when administered in combination, quinidine, verapamil, and amiodarone were without effect on equilibrium binding of [3H]digoxin. Thus, increased steady-state serum concentrations of digoxin resulting from combination therapy with these particular drugs probably will have cardiac effects that may increase the risk of digitoxicity to the patient.