Characterization of adrenal medullary opioid receptors. II. Coupling of adrenal medullary opioid receptors to GTP binding proteins

We studied possible coupling of opioid receptors to GTP-binding proteins to clarify the mechanism(s) of opioid action in bovine adrenal medullary membranes. Guanylyl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) reduced the binding of [3H] D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin ([3H] DADLE) to bovine adrenal medullary membranes dose-dependently, and enhanced the binding of [3H] diprenorphine to them. Gpp(NH)p (0.1 mM) enhanced the Kd value of the [3H] DADLE binding from 2.9 nM to 3.9 nM, but did not change its Bmax. Pretreatment of bovine adrenal medullary membranes with pertussis toxin (PT) reduced the [3H] DADLE binding. The Gpp(NH)p inhibition for [3H] DADLE binding was diminished by the PT-pretreatment. On the other hand, the [3H] diprenorphine binding to PT-pretreated membranes was higher than that to control membranes. Levorphanol inhibited the adenylate cyclase activity of the rat caudate nucleus crude synaptosomal fraction, but did not change that of bovine adrenal medullary membranes. These results suggest that opioid receptors in bovine adrenal medullary membranes are coupled to PT-sensitive GTP-binding protein which may not influence on adenylate cyclase.     

Purification to homogeneity of an active opioid receptor from rat brain by affinity chromatography.

Active opioid binding proteins were solubilized from rat brain membranes in high yield with sodium deoxycholate in the presence of NaCl. Purification of opioid binding proteins was accomplished by opioid antagonist affinity chromatography. Chromatography using the delta-opioid antagonist N,N-diallyl-Tyr-D-Leu-Gly-Tyr-Leu attached to omega-aminododecyl-agarose (Affi-G) (procedure A) yielded a partially purified protein that binds selectively the delta-opioid agonist [3H]Tyr-D-Ser-Gly-Phe-Leu-Thr ([3H]DSLET), with a Kd of 19 +/- 3 nM and a Bmax of 5.1 +/- 0.4 nmol/mg of protein. Subsequently, Lens culinaris agglutinin-Sepharose 4B chromatography of the Affi-G eluate resulted in isolation of an electrophoretically homogeneous protein of 58 kDa that binds selectively [3H]DSLET with a Kd of 21 +/- 3 nM and a Bmax of 16.5 +/- 1.0 nmol/mg of protein. Chromatography using the nonselective antagonist 6-aminonaloxone coupled to 6-aminohexanoic acid-Sepharose 4B (Affi-NAL) (procedure B) resulted in isolation of a protein that binds selectively [3H]DSLET with a Kd of 32 +/- 2 nM and a Bmax of 12.4 +/- 0.5 nmol/mg of protein, and NaDodSO4/PAGE revealed a major band of apparent molecular mass 58 kDa. Polyclonal antibodies (Anti-R IgG) raised against the Affi-NAL protein inhibit the specific [3H]DSLET binding to the Affi-NAL eluate and to the solubilized membranes. Moreover, the Anti-R IgG inhibits the specific binding of radiolabeled Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-N-methyl-Phe-Gly-ol (DAMGO; mu-agonist), DSLET (delta-agonist), and naloxone to homogenates of rat brain membranes with equal potency. Furthermore, immunoaffinity chromatography of solubilized membranes resulted in the retention of a major protein of apparent molecular mass 58 kDa. In addition, immunoblotting of solubilized membranes and purified proteins from the Affi-G and Affi-NAL matrices revealed that the Anti-R IgG interacts with a protein of 58 kDa.     

Beta-adrenergic receptors in catfish liver membranes: characterization and coupling to adenylate cyclase.

beta-Adrenergic binding sites in catfish liver membranes have been characterized by centrifugal assay, using a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, (-)-[3H]dihydroalprenolol ([3H]DHA). Binding of the radioligand was saturable and reversible. At 22 degrees equilibrium conditions were established in 15 min and the half-time for dissociation of bound [3H]DHA was approximately 4 min. Analysis of binding data was compatible with the existence of two classes of binding sites: a low-affinity site had a Kd of 62.3 nM and a Bmax of 452.0 fmol/mg protein, while the high-affinity site had a Kd of 2.04 nM and a Bmax of 46.7 fmol/mg protein. The dissociation constant of (-)-alprenolol for the beta-adrenergic receptors was about 2 nM as determined independently by direct kinetic studies and by inhibition of isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. Phenylephrine was as potent as other catecholamines in inhibiting [3H]DHA binding, indicating that fish adrenoceptor subtyping is different from that of mammals.     

Prostaglandin E receptors in cardiac sarcolemma. Identification and coupling to adenylate cyclase

Purified cardiac sarcolemmal membrane vesicles were used to determine if specific prostaglandin (PG) receptors are present on the myocyte. Two binding sites for PGE2 were identified in isolated bovine sarcolemmal membranes: a high-affinity site with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.32 nM and a maximum binding (Bmax) of 376 fmol/mg of protein and a lower-affinity site with a Kd of 3.41 nM and a Bmax of 2,112 fmol/mg of protein. In competition experiments, unlabeled PGE1 displaced [3H]PGE2 from its membrane receptor at concentrations similar to those of unlabeled PGE2. Both PGF2 alpha and PGD2 displaced [3H]PGE2 from the membrane, but only at high concentrations (greater than 10(-6) M and greater than 10(-5)M, respectively). Digestion of sarcolemmal membrane with trypsin resulted in a threefold decrease in specific [3H]PGE2 binding. Phosphorylation of the membrane with protein kinase A also decreased specific [3H]PGE2 binding. At concentrations of PGE2 that occupy the high-affinity site, sarcolemmal adenylate cyclase activity was inhibited in the presence of 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p]. We conclude that the isolated cardiac sarcolemmal membrane contains a high-affinity binding site for PGE2 that is functionally coupled to adenylate cyclase. The binding site is stereospecific and probably recognizes the 9-keto,11-hydroxyl portion of the ring structure of these prostaglandins.     

Characterization and visualization of rat and guinea pig brain kappa opioid receptors: evidence for kappa 1 and kappa 2 opioid receptors.

kappa opioid receptors (kappa receptors) have been characterized in homogenates of guinea pig and rat brain under in vitro binding conditions. kappa receptors were labeled by using the tritiated prototypic kappa opioid ethylketocyclazocine under conditions in which mu and delta opioid binding was suppressed. In the case of guinea pig brain membranes, a single population of high-affinity kappa opioid receptor sites (kappa sites; Kd = 0.66 nM, Bmax = 80 fmol/mg of protein) was observed. In contrast, in the case of rat brain, two populations of kappa sites were observed--high-affinity sites at low density (Kd = 1.0 nM, Bmax = 16 fmol/mg of protein) and low-affinity sites at high density (Kd = 13 nM, Bmax = 111 fmol/mg of protein). To test the hypothesis that the high- and low-affinity kappa sites represent two distinct kappa receptor subtypes, a series of opioids were tested for their abilities to compete for binding to the two sites. U-69,593 and Cambridge 20 selectively displaced the high-affinity kappa site in both guinea pig and rat tissue, but were inactive at the rat-brain low-affinity site. Other kappa opioid drugs, including U-50,488, ethylketocyclazocine, bremazocine, cyclazocine, and dynormphin (1-17), competed for binding to both sites, but with different rank orders of potency. Quantitative light microscopy in vitro autoradiography was used to visualize the neuroanatomical pattern of kappa receptors in rat and guinea pig brain. The distribution patterns of the two kappa receptor subtypes of rat brain were clearly different. The pattern of rat high-affinity kappa sites paralleled that of guinea pig in the caudate-putamen, mid-brain, central gray substance of cerebrum, and substantia nigra; interspecies differences were apparent throughout most of the rest of the brain. Collectively, these data provide direct evidence for the presence of two kappa receptor subtypes; the U-69,593-sensitive, high-affinity kappa 1 site predominates in guinea pig brain, and the U-69,593-insensitive, low-affinity kappa 2 site predominates in rat brain.     

Somatostatin receptors in the rat adrenal cortex: characterization and comparison with brain and pituitary receptors

Specific receptors for tetradecapeptide somatostatin (S-14) in rat adrenal cortical membranes were quantitated by direct binding studies using [125I-Tyr11]S-14. Competitive inhibition of this radioligand by S-14 showed that these receptors constitute a single class of high affinity binding sites [dissociation constant (Kd) = 1.08 nM and maximum binding capacity (Bmax) = 0.35 pmol/mg membrane protein]. Structural analogs of S-14 with halogenated Trp8 moiety exhibited 4- to 46-fold greater binding affinity than S-14, [D-F5-Trp8]S-14 being the most potent. [Tyr11]S-14 and [des-Ala1]S-14 bound to these receptors with reduced affinity whereas [Phe4]S-14 exhibited 1.5-fold greater affinity than S-14. Somatostatin-28 (S-28) and S-14 were equipotent, whereas the N-terminal fragments of S-28 [S-28(1-14) and S-28(1-12)] were inactive. High affinity binding sites were also quantitated using a radioligand prepared from the tyrosinated S-28 analog, [Leu8, D-Trp22, Tyr25]S-28 (Kd = 1.2 nM; Bmax = 0.21 pmol/mg membrane protein). Both S-14 and S-28 exhibited comparable relative potencies for inhibiting the specific binding of this radioligand and [125I-Tyr11]S-14. Extracts of whole adrenal or the adrenal medulla and cortex contained very low levels of S-14-like immunoreactivity (2.4 pg/mg protein). These studies confirm the presence of specific receptors for S-14 in the adrenal cortex and suggest that 1) with respect to S-14 biological activity, Trp8-modified S-14 analogs should be more potent than S-14, S-28 equipotent with S-14, and N-terminal fragments of S-28 inactive in this tissue. 2) Direct binding studies using radioiodinated [Tyr11]S-14 and [Leu8,D-Trp22, Tyr25]S-28 appear to quantitate the same receptor sites in adrenocortical tissue. 3) The ligand specificity of the adrenocortical S-14 receptor differs from that previously reported for the pituitary and brain providing further evidence for the heterogeneity of the S-14 receptor. 4) In view of the very low concentrations of endogenous S-14-like immunoreactivity, the adrenal actions of S-14 and S-28 are probably mediated through an endocrine mechanism.     

Oxytocin and vasopressin: distinct receptors in myometrium

The binding characteristics of [3H]oxytocin [( 3H]OT) and [3H]lysine vasopressin [( 3H]LVP) to nonpregnant human myometrium were investigated. Binding of both radioligands was saturable, time dependent, and reversible. Whereas [3H]OT was found to bind to a single class of sites with high affinity [Kd, 1.5 +/- 0.4 (+/- SEM) nM] and low capacity [maximum binding (Bmax), 34 +/- 6 fmol/mg protein], [3H]LVP bound to two classes of sites, one with high affinity (Kd, 2.2 +/- 0.1 nM) and low capacity (Bmax, 198 +/- 7 fmol/mg protein) and another with low affinity (Kd, 655 +/- 209 nM) and high capacity (Bmax, 5794 +/- 1616 fmol/mg protein). The binding of the labeled peptides also displayed a marked difference in sensitivity to Mg2+ and guanine nucleotides. These differences in binding characteristics as well as the differences in potency of analogs in competing for [3H]OT and [3H]LVP binding indicate the presence of distinct receptors for OT and vasopressin in human myometrium. Pharmacological characterization of the high affinity binding sites for [3H]LVP indicated that these are of the V1 subtype. Although, as suggested by others, vasopressin and OT can bind to the same sites, the presence of distinct receptors for both peptides provides an explanation for the previously reported difference in myometrial responsiveness to OT and vasopressin.     

The presence and actions of opioid receptors in bovine pineal gland

The mammalian pineal gland and its main hormone, melatonin, working in conjunction with the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei, synchronize circadian rhythm and hence refine numerous physiological and biochemical parameters. An interaction among melatonin, opioids, and analgesia has been suspected for many years, since during nighttime, when the level of melatonin is high, the mammals are less sensitive to pain. In studying this phenomenon further, we have identified a single population of opioid receptors in the bovine pineal gland using [3H]-diprenorphine and other ligands. The receptors have a dissociation equilibrium constant (Kd) of 1.36 +/- 0.31 nM and a density (Bmax) of 17.93 +/- 5.22 fmol/mg protein. In competitive experiments, the concentration of drugs required to inhibit 50% of the [3H]-diprenorphine binding (IC50) in descending order of potency was found to be naltrexone > fentanyl > naloxone > nalbuphine > morphine > nalorphine > DAGO > dynorphin > metenkephalin. In order to delineate the function of the opioid system in the pineal gland, the effects of both opioid receptor agonists and antagonists on the basal activity of N-acetyltransferase were examined in the bovine pineal explants in culture. Morphine, an opioid receptor agonist, increased significantly the activity of N-acetyltransferase in a dose-dependent fashion. In addition, the stimulatory effect of morphine was inhibited by naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist. The results of these studies indicate the existence of pineal opioid receptors, which play a pivotal role in the synthesis of melatonin and its action in synchronizing pineal events.     

Demonstration of glucocorticoid receptors in the adrenal cortex: evidence for a direct dexamethasone suppressive effect on the rat adrenal gland

The adrenal cortex was evaluated for the presence of glucocorticoid receptors and functions. Substantial binding of [3H]dexamethasone was observed in aminoglutethimide-treated, hypophysectomized, and intact rats. Further studies demonstrated binding in cultured bovine adrenocortical cells and in Y-1 cells, a cloned murine cell line of adrenal cortical origin. Scatchard analysis of specific binding data in cytosol from hypophysectomized rats revealed an apparent Kd of approximately 15 nM and a receptor content (Nmax) of 123 fmol/mg cytosol protein. Analysis of Y-1 cell cytosol showed a Kd of approximately 17 nM and Nmax of 190 fmol/mg protein. The binding site in hypophysectomized rats had the following steroid specificities: high affinity for dexamethasone, corticosterone, and progesterone; moderate affinity for 11 beta-cortisol, and low affinity for testosterone, estradiol, pregnenolone, and 11 alpha-cortisol. Sedimentation in sucrose density gradients revealed 8S binding peaks in cytosols prepared from intact rat adrenal glands, Y-1 cells, and cultured bovine adrenocortical cells. Time- and temperature-dependent nuclear uptake of [3H]dexamethasone in Y-1 cells was demonstrated. In vivo treatment of hypophysectomized rats with dexamethasone significantly enhanced the rate of adrenal atrophy. ACTH stimulation tests in hypophysectomized rats showed a decreased corticosterone response in dexamethasone-treated rats compared to that in control animals. However, in vitro, there was no evidence for an effect of dexamethasone on ACTH-stimulated corticosterone production. The data indicate that the adrenal cortex possesses a high affinity binding site that fulfills the criteria for a glucocorticoid receptor. Glucocorticoid administration enhances adrenal atrophy and impairs adrenal function. We speculate that this action contributes to the suppressive effect of glucocorticoids on the pituitary-adrenal axis.     

[3H]xanthine amine congener of 1,3-dipropyl-8-phenylxanthine: an antagonist radioligand for adenosine receptors.

An amine-functionalized derivative of 1,3-dipropyl-8-phenylxanthine has been prepared in tritiated form as a xanthine amine congener ([3H]XAC) for use as an antagonist radioligand for adenosine receptors. [3H]XAC has higher receptor affinity, higher specific activity, lower nonspecific membrane binding, and more favorable hydrophilicity than 1,3-diethyl-8-[3H]phenylxanthine, the xanthine commonly used for adenosine receptor binding. In rat cerebral cortical membranes, [3H]XAC exhibits saturable, specific binding with a Kd of 1.23 nM and a Bmax of 580 fmol/mg of protein at 37 degrees C. N6-(R-Phenylisopropyl)adenosine is a more potent inhibitor of [3H]XAC binding than is 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, indicating that binding is to an A1-adenosine receptor. In the absence of GTP, the inhibition curves for adenosine agonists versus [3H]XAC binding are biphasic, indicating that [3H]XAC is binding to low- and high-affinity agonist states of the A1 receptor. In the presence of GTP, adenosine analogs exhibit monophasic, low-affinity inhibition of binding of [3H]XAC. Inhibition of [3H]XAC binding by theophylline or by various 8-phenylxanthines is monophasic, and the potencies are commensurate with the potencies of these xanthines as adenosine receptor antagonists. The receptor sites in calf brain membranes exhibit a higher affinity (Kd = 0.17 nM) for [3H]XAC, whereas sites in guinea pig exhibit a slightly lower affinity (Kd = 3.0 nM). Densities of [3H]XAC binding sites are similar in brain membranes from all species.     

Reconstitution of high-affinity opioid agonist binding in brain membranes.

In synaptosomal membranes from rat brain cortex, the mu selective agonist [3H]dihydromorphine in the absence of sodium, and the nonselective antagonist [3H]naltrexone in the presence of sodium, bound to two populations of opioid receptor sites with Kd values of 0.69 and 8.7 nM for dihydromorphine, and 0.34 and 5.5 nM for naltrexone. The addition of 5 microM guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[gamma S]) strongly reduced high-affinity agonist but not antagonist binding. Exposure of the membranes to high pH reduced the number of GTP[gamma-35S] binding sites by 90% and low Km, opioid-sensitive GTPase activity by 95%. In these membranes, high-affinity agonist binding was abolished and modulation of residual binding by GTP[gamma S] was diminished. High-affinity (Kd, 0.72 nM), guanine nucleotide-sensitive agonist binding was reconstituted by polyethylene glycol-induced fusion of the alkali-treated membranes with (opioid receptor devoid) C6 glioma cell membranes. Also restored was opioid agonist-stimulated, naltrexone-inhibited GTPase activity. In contrast, antagonist binding in the fused membranes was unaltered. Alkali treatment of the glioma cell membranes prior to fusion inhibited most of the low Km GTPase activity and prevented the reconstitution of agonist binding. The results show that high-affinity opioid agonist binding reflects the ligand-occupied receptor-guanine nucleotide binding protein complex.     

Demonstration of specific dopamine receptors on human pituitary adenomas

Dopamine receptors on human pituitary adenoma membranes were characterized using [3H] spiperone as the radioligand. The specific [3H]spiperone binding sites on prolactin (PRL)-secreting adenoma membranes were recognized as a dopamine receptor, based upon the data showing high affinity binding, saturability, specificity, temperature dependence, and reversibility. All of 14 PRL-secreting adenomas had high affinity dopamine receptors, with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.85 +/- 0.11 nmol/l (mean +/- SEM) and a maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 428 +/- 48.6 fmol/mg protein. Among 14 growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenomas examined, 8 (57%) had dopamine receptors with a Kd of 1.90 +/- 0.47 nmol/l and a Bmax of 131 +/- 36.9 fmol/mg protein. Furthermore, 15 of 24 (58%) nonsecreting pituitary adenomas also had dopamine receptors with a Kd of 1.86 +/- 0.37 nmol/l and a Bmax of 162 +/- 26.0 fmol/mg protein. These results indicate that some GH-secreting adenomas as well as some nonsecreting pituitary adenomas contain dopamine receptors. But their affinity and number of binding sites are significantly lower (P less than 0.05) and fewer (P less than 0.001) respectively, than those in PRL-secreting adenomas.     

Arginine vasopressin and oxytocin in the bovine adrenal gland

The concentrations of immunoreactive oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (AVP) and their respective neurophysins (NpI and NpII) were compared in bovine adrenal cortex and medulla. While the concentration of AVP was similar in both tissues there was more NpII in the medulla. The medulla also contained much more oxytocin and NpI than the cortex. The extracted AVP and oxytocin had identical retention times to those of the synthetic peptides on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and were biologically active in assays for antidiuretic and milk-ejection activity (with potencies of 310 units/mg and 340 units/mg respectively). Adrenal NpI and NpII behaved identically to commercially available neurohypophysial proteins on HPLC. Oxytocin, NpI and AVP were assayed in five subcellular fractions of bovine adrenal medulla prepared on discontinuous sucrose gradients. A high proportion of each co-localized with noradrenaline and adrenaline in the chromaffin granule fraction. Binding of [3H]AVP and [3H]oxytocin to crude bovine adrenal medulla membranes was dependent upon both time and temperature. The binding sites were specific and saturable: studies with the V1 AVP antagonist d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP and the V2 agonist 1-deamino-8-D-AVP indicated that the AVP receptor was V1 in specificity. Scatchard plots showed that each ligand interacted with a single high-affinity, low-capacity binding site: oxytocin dissociation constant (Kd) 3.1 +/- 0.29 nmol/l, maximum binding capacity (Bmax) 89.6 +/- 18.4 fmol/mg protein (n = 3); AVP Kd 0.73 +/- 0.02 nmol/l, Bmax 26.5 +/- 8.3 fmol/mg protein (n = 3).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Adenosine receptors in brain membranes: binding of N6-cyclohexyl[3H]adenosine and 1,3-diethyl-8-[3H]phenylxanthine.

N6-Cyclohexyl[3H]adenosine ([3H]CHA) and 1,3-diethyl-8-[3H]phenylxanthine ([3H]DPX) to bind to adenosine receptors in brain membranes. The agonist [3H]CHA has high affinity in both bovine and guinea pig brain (Kd, 0.7 nM and 6 nM, respectively). [3H]CHA binding kinetics are slow (dissociation t1/2;60 min); binding is much higher at 25 degrees C than at 0 degrees C and is inhibited by guanine nucleotides. Potencies of nucleosides and xanthines in competing for [3H]CHA sites indicate that specific binding is entirely to A1 adenosine receptors. In bovine brain, the antagonist [3H]DPX exhibits high-affinity binding (Kd, 5 nM) to the same A1 receptors that bind [3H]CHA. Binding kinetics are rapid (dissociation t1/2, 1 min), and binding is moderately higher at 0 degrees C than at 25 degrees C. In guinea pig brain, [3H]DPX binding has only moderate affintiy (Kd 50 nM), and about 60% of specific binding is to sites that resemble A2 adenosine receptors.     

Identification and characterization of calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors in porcine renal medullary membranes.

Membranes prepared from the medullary region of the porcine kidney displayed high affinity, high density (Kd, 0.12 nM; binding capacity, 127 fmol/mg protein) receptors for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Human CGRP (hCGRP), rat CGRP (rCGRP), and the hCGRP analog [hCGRP-(8-37)] competed for the binding of [125I]hCGRP, whereas salmon calcitonin (sCT) and CGRP-(22-37) were very weak in displacing [125I]hCGRP binding. In accordance with these binding data, CGRP stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in these membrane preparations in a concentration-dependent manner, with an EC50 similar to that of the Kd for binding. In the same preparations, sCT was ineffective in stimulating adenylate cyclase activity, suggesting that porcine kidney medullary membranes possess receptors specific for CGRP. Further hCGRP-(8-37), a CGRP antagonist, inhibited CGRP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in a competitive manner. Covalent cross-linking of [125I]hCGRP to these membranes resulted in the specific labeling of one major band at approximately 30,000 mol wt and two minor bands at about 58,000 and 78,000 mol wt. The presence of CGRP receptors and their coupling to adenylate cyclase suggest a role for CGRP in kidney function, such as local regulation of the microcirculation, electrolyte transport, or water homeostasis in the porcine kidney.     

Characterization of [3H][2-D-penicillamine, 5-D-penicillamine]-enkephalin binding to delta opiate receptors in the rat brain and neuroblastoma--glioma hybrid cell line (NG 108-15).

Specific binding properties of the tritium-labeled delta opiate receptor agonist [3H][2-D-penicillamine, 5-D-penicillamine]enkephalin [( 3H][D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin) were characterized in the rat brain and in a mouse neuroblastoma-rat glioma hybrid cell line (NG 108-15). Saturation isotherms of [3H][D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin binding to rat brain and NG 108-15 membranes gave apparent Kd values of 1-6 nM. These values are in good agreement with the Kd value obtained from the kinetic studies. The Bmax value in NG 108-15 membranes was 235.3 fmol/mg of protein. An apparent regional distribution of [3H][D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin binding was observed in the rat brain. A number of enkephalin analogues inhibited [3H][D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin binding with high affinity (IC50 values of 0.5-5.0 nM) in both NG 108-15 and rat brain membranes. However, putative mu receptor-selective ligands such as morphine, [D-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly5-ol]enkephalin, [MePhe3, D-Pro4]morphiceptin, and naloxone were less effective inhibitors of [3H][D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin binding in both systems tested. These data suggest that [3H][D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin is a potent and selective ligand for the delta opioid receptor.     

Specific somatostatin receptors on human pituitary adenoma cell membranes

Specific somatostatin (SRIH) receptors on human pituitary adenoma cell membranes were characterized using [125I]Tyr11-SRIH as the radioligand. Specific binding of [125I] Tyr11-SRIH to adenoma cell membranes reached a steady state within 30 min at 25 C, and semilogarithmic analysis of the data revealed that the rate of the binding was linear at 25 C with a t1/2 of 13.2 min. Specific binding increased linearly with 5-160 micrograms plasma membrane protein. SRIH-14 and SRIH-28 inhibited [125I]Tyr11-SRIH binding to adenoma cell membranes with ID50S of 0.32 and 0.50 nM, respectively, while secretin, glucagon, gastrin, cholecystokinin-8, bombesin, TRH, LHRH, human GH-releasing factor-(1-44)-NH2, D-Ala2-met-enkephalin, gamma-aminobutyric acid and taurine did not significantly inhibit binding. All of 13 GH-secreting adenomas investigated had specific and high affinity SRIH receptors, with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.80 +/- 0.15 nM (mean +/- SEM) and a maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 234.2 +/- 86.9 fmol/mg protein (mean +/- SEM). Among five of the nonsecreting pituitary adenomas examined, two had SRIH receptors with Kd values of 0.18 and 0.32 nM and Bmax values of 17.2 and 48.0 fmol/mg protein, respectively. In the remaining three, SRIH receptors were not detected. These results indicate that GH-secreting adenomas as well as some nonfunctioning adenomas have specific SRIH receptors, and hence, the function of the adenomas could be altered by SRIH.     

Bovine pituitary folliculo-stellate cells have beta-adrenergic receptors positively coupled to adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate production

The specific beta-adrenergic radioligand [125I]iodocyanopindolol (ICYP) was used to identify and characterize beta-adrenergic receptors in bovine pituitary folliculo-stellate cells (bFSC) grown in culture. Saturation analysis demonstrated the binding of ICYP to bFSC particulate fractions to be of high affinity (apparent Kd = 80 pM) and low capacity (Bmax = 37 fmol/mg protein). The specific beta-adrenergic radioligand [3H] dihydroalprenolol also bound to bFSC particulate preparations with parameters compatible with binding to the beta-adrenergic receptor (Kd = 3.0 nM; Bmax = 52 fmol/mg protein). No specific binding was observed with either the dopamine receptor radioligand [3H]spiperone or the alpha-adrenergic radioligand [3H]dihydro-alpha-ergocryptine. The bFSC beta-adrenergic receptors were further characterized by computer modeling of competition studies with a variety of agonists and antagonists selective for beta-adrenergic subtypes. The pharmacological profiles of ICYP binding obtained from these studies indicated that approximately equal proportions of both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic subtypes are expressed in cultured bFSC. Bovine FSC beta-adrenergic receptors are functionally coupled to activation of cAMP. The beta-adrenergic agonists isoproterenol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine provoked a rapid and marked stimulation of intracellular cAMP accumulation. The approximately equipotent effect of epinephrine and norepinephrine indicated that the beta-adrenergic effect on cAMP production is principally mediated via the beta 1-adrenergic receptor. The identification of beta-adrenergic receptors on bFSC positively coupled to adenylate cyclase provides a possible regulatory control pathway for the proposed role of pituitary FSC in the modulation of anterior pituitary hormone secretion.     

Identification of serotonin 5HT2 receptors in bovine pineal gland

The concentration of serotonin in the pineal gland is extremely high, which prompted speculation that in addition to serving as a precursor of melatonin, serotonin may have an independent function of its own. By using [3H]-spiperone as a ligand, and ketanserine as a selective serotonin 5HT2 receptor antagonist, we have identified 5HT2 receptor in the bovine pineal gland, revealing a single population of binding sites with a dissociation equilibrium constant (Kd) value of 1.26 +/- 0.41 nM and a receptor density (Bmax) value of 193 +/- 38.85 fmol/mg protein. In displacement experiments, the concentrations of the drugs required to inhibit 50% of the specific binding of [3H]-spiperone in descending order of potency were methysergide greater than ritanserin greater than pirenperone greater than pipamperone greater than ketanserin greater than cyproheptadine greater than M-trifluoromethylphenyl-piperazine greater than prazosin greater than 5-methoxy-N-N-dimethyltryptamine hydrogen oxalate greater than 1-(3-chlorophenol) piperazine greater than serotonin. In the rat pineal gland, [3H]-spiperone revealed a low affinity serotonin binding site with a Kd value of 25.77 +/- 10.7 nM and a Bmax value of 1244 +/- 472 fmol/mg protein. The results of these studies are interpreted to indicate that the bovine pineal gland possess serotonin 5HT2 receptor. However, the rat pineal gland possess a serotoninergic binding site of unknown nature.     

Solubilization and characterization of high-affinity [3H]serotonin binding sites from bovine cortical membranes.

High-affinity [3H]serotonin binding activity has been solubilized from bovine cerebral cortical membranes by using Triton X-100, Tween-80, and octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside. This mixture of detergents solubilizes the high-affinity [3H]serotonin binding activity present in crude membrane preparations with retention of 75-90% specific binding. The detergent mixture was chosen because it can easily be removed from the solubilized fraction by dialysis and polystyrene bead adsorption, thus permitting further purification and isolation of the binding sites. Saturation analysis reveals multiple components of high-affinity [3H]serotonin binding. In crude bovine cortical membranes, at least two binding components are present. A higher-affinity binding component, as defined from curvilinear Scatchard plots, has a Kd for [3H]serotonin of 1-3 nM, whereas a lower-affinity component has a Kd of 10-20 nM. In the solubilized preparation, only a single class of binding sites is apparent, with a Kd of 50-100 nM. Removal of detergents by dialysis and polystyrene bead adsorption results in restoration of the curvilinear Scatchard plot with apparent Kds similar to those observed in crude membrane preparations and with increased Bmax values for each component. [3H]Serotonin binding activity in the solubilized preparation is stable to Sephacryl S-300 column chromatography and to glycerol gradient sedimentation. Saturation analysis of the peak binding fractions from both these procedures once again yields curvilinear Scatchard plots, indicating that the multiple high-affinity binding components are preserved and migrate together. The molecular weight, Stokes radius, and frictional coefficient of the binding site(s) have been calculated. After detergent removal the solubilized material shows many of the characteristics usually attributed to S1 receptors, such as high affinity for [3H]serotonin and its analogs and low affinity for serotonin antagonists.