Selective affinity labeling and molecular characterization of hepatic alpha 1-adrenergic receptors with [3H]phenoxybenzamine

Zebrafish tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase: molecular cloning, expression, and functional characterization

By employing the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique in conjunction with 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends, a full-length cDNA encoding a zebrafish (Danio rerio) tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase (TPST) was cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed that this zebrafish TPST is, at the amino acid sequence level, 66% and 60% identical to the human and mouse TPST-1 and TPST-2, respectively. The recombinant form of the zebrafish TPST, expressed in COS-7 cells, exhibited a pH optimum at 5.75. Manganese appeared to exert a stimulatory effect on the zebrafish TPST. The activity of the enzyme determined in the presence of 20 mM MnCl2 was more than 2.5 times that determined in the absence of MnCl2. Of the other nine divalent metal cations tested at a 10 mM concentration, Co2+ also showed a considerable stimulatory effect, while Ca2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ exerted some inhibitory effects. The other four divalent cations, Fe2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Hg2+, inhibited completely the sulfating activity of the zebrafish TPST. Using the wild-type and mutated P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 N-terminal peptides as substrates, the zebrafish TPST was shown to exhibit a high degree of substrate specificity for the tyrosine residue on the C-terminal side of the peptide. These results constitute a first study on the cloning, expression, and characterization of a zebrafish cytosolic TPST.

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases is required for alpha1-adrenergic agonist-induced cell scattering in transfected HepG2 cells

Activation of alpha1B-adrenergic receptors ((alpha1B)AR) by phenylephrine (PE) induces scattering of HepG2 cells stably transfected with the (alpha1B)AR (TFG2 cells). Scattering was also observed after stimulation of TFG2 cells with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) but not with hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, epidermal growth factor, or insulin. PMA but not phenylephrine rapidly activated PKCalpha in TFG2 cells, and the highly selective PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (GFX) completely abolished PMA-induced but not PE-induced scattering. PE rapidly activated p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and AP1 (c-fos/c-jun). Selective blockade of p42/44 MAPK activity by PD98059 or by transfection of a MEK1 dominant negative adenovirus significantly inhibited the PE-induced scattering of TFG2 cells. Selective inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB203850 or SB202190 also blocked PE-induced scattering, whereas treatment of TFG2 cells with the PI3 kinase inhibitors LY294002 or wortmannin did not inhibit PE-induced scattering. Blocking JNK activation with a dominant negative mutant of JNK or blocking AP1 activation with a dominant negative mutant of c-jun (TAM67) significantly inhibited PE-induced cell scattering. These data indicate that PE-induced scattering of TFG2 cells is mediated by complex mechanisms, including activation of p42/44 MAPK, p38 MAPK, and JNK. Cell spreading has been reported to play important roles in wound repair, tumor invasion, and metastasis. Therefore, catecholamines acting via the (alpha1)AR may modulate these physiological and pathological processes.

Cardiovascular α1-adrenoceptor subtypes: functions and signaling

α1-Adrenoceptors (α1AR) are G protein-coupled receptors and include α1A, α1B, and α1D subtypes corresponding to cloned α1a, α1b, and α1d, respectively. α1AR mediate several cardiovascular actions of sympathomimetic amines such as vasoconstriction and cardiac inotropy, hypertrophy, metabolism, and remodeling. α1AR subtypes are products of separate genes and differ in structure, G protein-coupling, tissue distribution, signaling, regulation, and functions. Both α1AAR and α1BAR mediate positive inotropic responses. On the other hand, cardiac hypertrophy is primarily mediated by α1AAR. The only demonstrated major function of α1DAR is vasoconstriction. α1AR are coupled to phospholipase C, phospholipase D, and phospholipase A2; they increase intracellular Ca2+ and myofibrillar sensitivity to Ca2+ and cause translocation of specific phosphokinase C isoforms to the particulate fraction. Cardiac hypertrophic responses to α1AR agonists might involve activation of phosphokinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase via Gq. α1AR subtypes might interact with each other and with other receptors and signaling mechanisms.Key words: cardiac hypertrophy, inotropic responses, central α1-adrenoreceptors, arrythmias.

Molecular receptors and their potential for artificial transduction

The thesis is presented that molecular receptor physical chemistry offers an interesting model for the design of biosensors with respect to chemical recognition and transduction. In order to appreciate the desirable features of this system and the inherent difficulties, the structures and binding state energetics of molecular receptors are considered via a direct comparison with enzyme chemistry. Detailed analyses of the candidate species nicotinic and beta-adrenergic receptors are provided to illustrate the complexity of molecular receptor binding properties. A revised ternary-complex model, which combines enzymatic and receptor energetics, is proposed to explain the free-energy changes which drive ligand-binding reactions of coupled systems. Throughout this discussion the relevance of the various arguments to applications in biosensor development is highlighted. Finally, a brief appraisal of attempts to produce devices ready for marriage to molecular receptor material is presented.

Solubilization and characterization of substance P binding protein from bovine brainstem

The specific binding protein for substance P (SP) was solubilized in an active form from the crude mitochondrial (P2) fraction of bovine brainstem. After incubation with 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate (CHAPS) and 0.1 M NaCl at 0 degrees C for 30 min, the SP binding to the supernatant fraction (100,000 g, 60 min) was determined by the glass fiber filtration method reported by Bruns et al. (1983). The specific [3H]SP binding to the solubilized fraction was highly specific for SP and was displaced by nanomolar concentrations of SP and physalaemin, but only by micromolar concentrations of eledoisin. In addition, the binding was inhibited by GTP (approximately 40% of the specific binding decreased by 10 microM GTP) in both preparations. These results were virtually identical to those of P2 membrane preparations and suggested that this high-affinity SP binding site belongs to the SP-P type. Scatchard analyses of SP binding to the solubilized fraction revealed a single saturable component with a Bmax of 22.0 +/- 5.10 fmol/mg protein and a KD of 0.79 nM, and these values are almost the same as those obtained in the P2 fraction (Bmax = 31.3 +/- 3.56 fmol/mg protein, KD = 0.82 nM). Gel filtration analysis showed that the detergent-SP binding protein complex has two calculated molecular weights of greater than 1,000,000 and 55,000-60,000 (a corresponding Stokes radius of 35.5 nm).

Coupling of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor to a guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein by a discrete domain distinct from its ligand recognition site

At rat hepatic membrane alpha 1-adrenergic receptors, the nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue p[NH]ppG causes a rightward shift of agonist competition curves and a loss of high-affinity binding. This p[NH]ppG effect is consistent with the involvement of a guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G-protein) in alpha 1-adrenergic receptor signalling. Although readily apparent in membranes prepared to avoid retention of endogenous nucleotides and activation of Ca2+-sensitive proteinases (+pi), this p[NH]ppG effect is not observed in membranes prepared without proteinase inhibitors (-pi), or in -pi membranes treated with Ca2+ (-pi, +Ca2+). In these various membrane preparations, different Mr forms of the receptor are also identified by photoaffinity labeling with [125I]CP65526, an aryl azide analog of the alpha 1-selective antagonist, prazosin, followed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Whereas a predominant Mr = 80,000 subunit is identified in +pi membranes, in -pi membranes a proteolytic Mr = 59,000 fragment is also observed. In -pi, +Ca2+ membranes, only this latter peptide is detected. To evaluate the ability of each of these forms of the receptor to couple with a G-protein, the effect of p[NH]ppG on the agonist-inhibition of [125I]CP65526 labelling was determined by laser densitometry scanning and computer analysis. At the Mr = 80,000 subunit, p[NH]ppG causes a rightward shift of agonist competition curves and a loss of high-affinity binding, even in -pi membranes. By contrast, agonist-binding at the Mr = 59,000 subunit is of low-affinity and was not affected by p[NH]ppG. These data indicate that the cleaved Mr = 59,000 fragment, while retaining hormone binding activity is unable to undergo G-protein coupling. Thus, the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor appears to contain a discrete domain necessary for G-protein coupling that is distinct from its ligand recognition site.

Inhibition of alpha 1-adrenergic responsiveness in intact cells by a new, irreversible receptor antagonist

A novel alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist, 1-(4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-quinazolinyl)-4-(2-bicyclo [2.2.2] octa-2,5-dienylcarbonyl) piperazine, was synthesized and shown to potently block alpha 1-adrenoceptor-induced Ca2+ mobilization in intact rat parotid acinar cells. Irreversible inhibition was complete in less than 5 min. This alkylating prazosin derivative blocked Ca2+ release (IC50 approximately 5 X 10(-10)M) and [3H]-prazosin membrane binding (IC50 approximately 3 X 10(-10)M) in a concentration dependent fashion and increased the EC50 of epinephrine for Ca2+ efflux by approximately 35 fold. The agent however had no effect on muscarinic receptor-induced Ca2+ mobilization, or beta-adrenoreceptor-induced protein secretion, from cells. These findings suggest that this irreversible alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist will be a valuable tool in probing alpha 1-adrenoreceptor function and metabolism in intact cells.

Affinity labeling of the DDT1 MF-2 cell alpha 1-adrenergic receptor with [3H]phenoxybenzamine

In this study, we used phenoxybenzamine to label the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor of a smooth muscle cell line. Our results demonstrate a dose-dependent occupancy of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors by phenoxybenzamine determined by competition for the [3H]prazosin binding site. Following incorporation of [3H]phenoxybenzamine, partially purified membranes were solubilized and subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions. Despite numerous Coomassie blue-stained bands, only three bands, Mr = 80,000 +/- 500, Mr = 33,000 +/- 2,000, and Mr = 21,000 +/- 400 (N = 4), were labeled with [3H]phenoxybenzamine as determined by autofluorography. Incorporation of [3H]phenoxybenzamine into the Mr = 80,000 band, but not the Mr = 33,000 and Mr = 21,000 bands, was affected by adrenergic agonists and antagonists in a manner consistent with an alpha 1-adrenergic interaction. Labeling of the Mr = 33,000 and Mr = 21,000 bands was partially blocked by phenoxybenzamine. We conclude that [3H]phenoxybenzamine can be used as an affinity probe for the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor and that the ligand binding site of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor resides in a Mr = 80,000 protein.

Agonist-induced isomerization of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor: kinetic analysis using broken-cell and solubilized preparations

The affinity of agonists but not antagonists at hepatic membrane alpha 1-adrenergic receptors is temperature dependent; a 100-fold higher affinity is observed at 4 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. The relationship between these two agonist affinity states was investigated by using a strategy that allows the kinetics of this transition to be examined under equilibrium conditions. When competition assays are performed at 37 degrees C for varying intervals and the reaction mixture is then rapidly cooled by freezing, allowed to thaw, and further equilibrated at 4 degrees C, a rapid and progressive decrease (t1/2 of 1-2 min) in agonist affinity occurs, the extent of which is directly related to the incubation time at 37 degrees C. This decrease in agonist affinity is sustained as long as agonist is present but can be reversed by its subsequent removal. In contrast, no change in affinity is seen in identical experiments when antagonists are employed as the competing ligand. High-affinity binding of agonists is also demonstrated in short-term nonequilibrium experiments, indicating that the low-temperature incubations do not induce, but rather stabilize, a receptor conformation of high affinity for agonists. These findings suggest that the predominantly low-affinity binding of agonists to alpha 1-adrenergic receptors demonstrated in equilibrium studies at physiological temperatures may be the result of a ligand-driven decrease in affinity. Since the transition in receptor affinity for agonists occurs not only in broken-cell preparations but also after detergent solubilization of the membrane receptor, it most likely is due to an agonist-induced change in the conformation of the receptor protein per se.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Structural and pharmacological differences between codfish and rat brain alpha 1-adrenergic receptors revealed by photoaffinity labeling with 125I-APDQ

The photoaffinity probe 125I-APDQ has been used to characterize alpha 1-receptor peptides in the cod and rat brains. In the cod brain a major specific peptide of Mr = 68,000 could be covalently labeled by 125I-APDQ as revealed by SDS-PAGE. In the rat brain a specific peptide with Mr = 77,000 was instead labeled. When a number of adrenergic agonists and antagonists were tested for their ability to protect the labeling by 125I-APDQ their potencies were those expected for alpha 1-receptors in both species. The ligand binding peptide in the cod brain also distinguished between stereoisomers of epinephrine as expected for a physiological receptor. However, there was a distinct difference between the cod and rat alpha 1-receptor in that the beta-agonist 1-isoprenaline was equipotent to 1-norepinephrine in the cod whereas it was less potent in the rat. The protecting ability of the tested agents were also matched by their ability to displace the alpha 1-adrenergic ligand 3H-prazosin from alpha 1-receptor binding sites in brain membranes from both species. Thus, the codfish alpha 1-receptor seems to be different from mammalian alpha 1-receptors both structurally and pharmacologically.

An endogenous Ca2+-sensitive proteinase converts the hepatic alpha 1-adrenergic receptor to guanine nucleotide-insensitive forms

An iodoazido[125I]prazosin analogue was employed to photoaffinity label alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in rat liver plasma membranes. Labeled proteins were separated by gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate, and (-)-epinephrine displacement of [3H]prazosin binding was concurrently measured in the presence or absence of guanosine 5'-O-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) (GTP[gamma S]). Inclusion of EGTA and/or proteinase inhibitors during membrane preparation and incubation increased the effect of GTP[gamma S] on alpha 1-adrenergic agonist binding and this could be correlated with increased concentrations of a 78 kDa photoaffinity labeled protein. In contrast, omission of EGTA or addition of exogenous Ca2+ diminished or abolished the effect of GTP[gamma S] on binding and caused loss of the 78 kDa form and the appearance of lower molecular weight labeled proteins. Age-dependent differences in GTP[gamma S] effects on alpha 1-adrenergic agonist binding were abolished when membranes were prepared and incubated in the presence of EGTA and proteinase inhibitors. However, the 78 kDa photoaffinity labeled protein observed in adult rats (over 225 g body weight) was not apparent in membranes from younger rats (50-75 g), even when the membranes were prepared and incubated in the presence of EGTA and proteinase inhibitors. Instead, a 68 kDa species was the major labeled protein. These data suggest that GTP effects on alpha 1-adrenergic agonist binding in rat liver membranes require the presence of either a 68 or 78 kDa alpha 1-adrenergic binding protein. Failure to inhibit proteolysis in the membranes leads to the generation of lower-molecular-weight binding proteins and the loss of GTP effects on alpha 1-adrenergic agonist binding, although [3H]prazosin binding characteristics are not changed. It is suggested that either the proteolyzed forms of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor are unable to couple to a putative guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein, or that such a protein is concurrently proteolyzed and is thus unable to couple to the receptor.

Molecular size of [3H]WB-4101-binding sites in rat cortex as determined by radiation inactivation

The molecular weight of the [3H]WB-4101-binding sites in rat cerebral cortex was estimated by the irradiation-inactivation technique. The molecular weight was found to be dependent on the assay concentrations of the radioligand in the binding assay. Assays with a [3H]WB-4101 concentration of 0.25 nM showed a molecular weight of 62,100 daltons and 5.1 nM showed 50,800 daltons. Scatchard transformation of the [3H]WB-4101-binding data shows two binding sites (high-affinity: KD = 0.09 nM, Bmax = 9.1 pmoles/g; low-affinity: KD = 20 nM, Bmax = 80 pmoles/g). It is suggested that the two binding exist at two distinct molecules and in that case the observed molecular weights of 62,100 and 50,800 daltons are not true values because the determinations are carried out on a mixture of the two molecule populations. The distribution of the two binding sites was calculated for the two radioligand concentrations, 0.25 nM and 5.1 nM; and on this background the "true" molecular weights of the two [3H]WB-4101-binding sites were estimated to be 68,300 daltons for the high-affinity molecule and 41,400 daltons for the low-affinity molecule. Competition studies with a variety of adrenergic agonists and antagonists against [3H]WB-4101 supported the hypothesis that only the high-affinity binding site is an alpha-1-adrenoceptor.

Effects of the irreversible alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists phenoxybenzamine and benextramine on the effectiveness of nifedipine in inhibiting alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor mediated vasoconstriction in pithed rats

In pithed normotensive rats, i.v. injection of the selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist cirazoline produced vasoconstriction which was largely resistant to inhibition by nifedipine. On the other hand, the pressor effects of the selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonists St 587 and Sgd 101/75 were much more effectively blocked by nifedipine, although not as effectively as the pressor effects to the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist B-HT 920. The sensitivity to inhibition of vasoconstriction in pithed rats to the different agonists increased in the order cirazoline much less than St 587 less than Sgd 101/75 less than B-HT 920. Phenoxybenzamine (3-300 micrograms/kg, i.v., -60 min) irreversibly antagonized the vasoconstriction to cirazoline, St 587, Sgd 101/75 and B-HT 920. After treatment of the rats with phenoxybenzamine the potency and efficacy of nifedipine in antagonizing vasoconstriction to alpha 1-, but not to alpha 2-adrenoceptor activation was dose-dependently enhanced. The potency of nifedipine to inhibit alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction by cirazoline, St 587 and Sgd 101/75 was increased maximally to the level of efficacy at which nifedipine antagonized B-HT 920-induced vasoconstriction. The dose of phenoxybenzamine required to maximally increase the potency and efficacy of nifedipine to antagonize vasoconstriction of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonists was inversely related to the level of sensitivity to blockade by nifedipine of the vasoconstriction they produced. In contrast, pretreatment of rats with the irreversible antagonist, benextramine (10 mg/kg, i.v., -100 to -60 min) did not increase the potency or efficacy of nifedipine to antagonize vasoconstriction to cirazoline, St 587, Sgd 101/75 or B-HT 920, despite irreversible blockade of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors. These data suggest that phenoxybenzamine, but not benextramine, selectively inhibits the alpha 1-adrenoceptor mediated vasoconstrictor mechanism that is independent of influx of extracellular calcium. Moreover, the results show that the existence of receptor reserve or the number of alpha 1-adrenoceptors activated does not determine the relative contribution of calcium influx-independent mechanisms in alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction.

Mechanisms involved in alpha-adrenergic phenomena

Epinephrine and norepinephrine exert many important actions by interacting with alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in their target cells. Activation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors causes platelet aggregation and other inhibitory cellular responses. Some of these responses are attributable to a decrease in cAMP due to inhibition of adenylate cyclase. Activation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors promotes their coupling to an inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding protein (Ni). This coupling promotes the binding of GTP to Ni, causing it to dissociate into subunits. This results in inhibition of the catalytic component of adenylate cyclase. Activation of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors stimulates the contraction of most smooth muscles and alters secretion and metabolism in several tissues. The primary event is a breakdown of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate in the plasma membrane to produce two intracellular "messengers": myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG). IP3 causes the release of Ca2+ from endoplasmic reticulum, producing a rapid rise in cytosolic Ca2+. Ca2+ binds to the regulatory protein calmodulin, and the resulting complex interacts with specific or multifunctional calmodulin-dependent protein kinases and other calmodulin-responsive proteins, altering their activities and thereby producing a variety of physiological responses. DAG also produces effects by activating a Ca2+-phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) that phosphorylates and alters the activity of certain cellular proteins. Frequently there is synergism between the IP3 and DAG mechanisms.

Irreversible blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors with a bromoacetyl derivative of pindolol

A potent irreversible beta-adrenergic derivative of pindolol possessing a chemically reactive group (Br-AAM-pindolol) was synthesized. This compound devoid of agonist properties, competed for all (3H)-dihydroalprenolol (3H-DHA) binding sites in C6 glioma cell and rat cerebellum membranes. Pretreatment of C6 glioma cell membranes with Br-AAM-pindolol and subsequent washing resulted in a time- and dose-dependent blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors. A 50% blockade was achieved in the presence of 1.6 nM Br-AAM-pindolol. This blockade occurs specifically at the beta-adrenergic receptor level, as: 1) it induced a decrease of maximal isoproterenol stimulated adenylate cyclase activity with no modification of basal and sodium fluoride stimulated activity and 2) decreases of (3H)-DHA binding and stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity by the agonist were suppressed in the presence of isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist. Furthermore, Br-AAM-pindolol treatment did not affect (3H)-diazepam binding in C6 glioma cell membranes. Pretreatment of C6 glioma cells with Br-AAM-pindolol also reduced the response of adenylate cyclase to isoproterenol and the number of beta-adrenergic receptors. The blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors of C6 glioma cells by Br-AAM-pindolol was non-competitive, whereas the blockade obtained with AM-pindolol, a derivative of pindolol devoid of alkylating properties, was competitive. The irreversible blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors by Br-AAM-pindolol in rat erythrocyte membranes was substantiated by the demonstration that no recovery of beta-adrenergic receptors occurred during long term incubation of the membranes (48 h) following Br-AAM-pindolol treatment and subsequent washing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interaction of phenoxybenzamine with muscarinic receptors and calcium channels

Phenoxybenzamine (POB, 10(-6) - 10(-4) M) inhibited the responses of guinea pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle to both muscarinic agonists and K+-depolarization but was more effective against the agonist-induced responses. POB inhibited binding of both the muscarinic antagonist [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) and the Ca2+ channel antagonist [3H]nitrendipine and was, paralleling its effects on mechanical responses, more effective against [3H]QNB binding. POB reduced specific [3H]QNB binding by a reduction in Bmax with no change in KD, but inhibited [3H]nitrendipine binding by reducing KD with no effect on Bmax. It is suggested that the activity of POB against Ca2+ channels may underlie the ability of POB, and other 2-halogenoethylamines, to inhibit a wide variety of apparently discrete pharmacological events.

Alpha 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors co-expressed on cloned MDCK cells are distinct glycoproteins

We have explored the molecular differences between alpha 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors that are co-expressed by a clonally-derived cell line, Madin-Darby canine kidney clone D (MDCK-D). MDCK-D membranes were pre-labeled with selective alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic radioligands and were then solubilized with the non-ionic detergent digitonin. Solubilized alpha 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors were retained by immobilized wheat germ agglutinin and were eluted following addition of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine or sialic acid. Both receptors were also retained by immobilized Limax flavus lectin, a sialic acid-binding lectin. Lectins that were specific for N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues did not bind to these receptors. These results indicate that both alpha 1 and beta 2 receptors are sialylated glycoproteins. The solubilized alpha 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors migrated with different elution profiles from an Ultragel AcA 34 column. The apparent molecular sizes of the digitonin-receptor complexes were 68A for the alpha 1 receptor and 55A for the beta 2 receptor. These results show that alpha 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors can be present on the same cell as distinct sialic acid-containing glycoproteins.

Molecular size of the human platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor as determined by radiation inactivation

The size of the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor in human platelet membranes has been determined by radiation inactivation/target size analysis to be 160,000 daltons. The size of the platelet alpha 2-receptors is essentially identical to that of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor of the rat liver membrane.

Phenoxybenzamine is more potent in inactivating alpha 1- than alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding sites

The effects of phenoxybenzamine on alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding sites were examined directly using radioligand binding assays of the antagonist drugs [125I]BE 2254 and [3H]rauwolscine, respectively, in homogenates of rat cerebral cortex. Treatment with phenoxybenzamine caused an irreversible, dose-dependent decrease in the density of both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. Phenoxybenzamine was approximately 250-fold more potent at decreasing alpha 1-adrenergic receptor density than it was at decreasing alpha 2-adrenergic receptor density.

Covalent labeling of the cerebral cortex alpha 1-adrenergic receptor with a new high affinity radioiodinated photoaffinity probe

A novel high affinity radioiodinated photoaffinity probe, 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2[4-[5(3-[125I]iodo-4-azidophenyl)pentanoyl]-1- piperazinyl]-quinazoline, structurally related to the potent alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin, was developed and used to covalently label the rat cerebral cortex alpha 1-adrenergic receptor. In the absence of light, this ligand binds to cortex plasma membranes with a dissociation constant of 308 pM and with a maximal number of binding sites of 200 fmol/mg protein. Upon photolysis, the ligand incorporates irreversibly into plasma membrane proteins. Autoradiograms of such membrane samples subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveal a major specifically labeled polypeptide at Mr = 79,000. The covalent incorporation into the peptide at Mr = 79,000 can be inhibited by several adrenergic receptor ligands with a typical alpha 1-adrenergic receptor specificity and stereoselectivity.

Autoantibodies and monoclonal antibodies in the purification and molecular characterization of neurotransmitter receptors

The combination of immunological advances with membrane receptor research has promoted rapid progress in the molecular characterization of neurotransmitter receptor molecules. We have to date produced monoclonal antibodies to beta 1-, beta 2-, and alpha 1-adrenergic, D2-dopaminergic, and muscarinic receptors. In addition we have discovered that some allergic respiratory disease patients possess circulating autoantibodies to beta 2-adrenergic receptors. These antireceptor antibodies in conjunction with specific receptor affinity reagents have allowed us to isolate, purify, and begin to characterize alpha- and beta-adrenergic, dopaminergic, and muscarinic receptors. For example, immunoprecipitation of turkey erythrocyte beta 1 receptors with monoclonal antibodies yields a single polypeptide Mr 65--70 K. In contrast, purification of beta 2-adrenergic receptors using either autoantibodies or monoclonal antibodies yields a receptor species with a subunit of Mr 55--59 K. Autoantibodies to beta 2 receptors demonstrate a 50--100% homology among beta 2 receptors from humans to rats, whereas monoclonal antibody FV-104 recognizes a determinant in the ligand binding site of all beta 1 and beta 2 receptors tested to date. These data suggest that beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors may have evolved from a common ancestor, perhaps by gene duplication.