Bilateral periventricular nodular heterotopia in France: frequency of mutations in FLNA, phenotypic heterogeneity and spectrum of mutations

Bilateral periventricular nodular heterotopia (BPNH) is the most common form of periventricular heterotopia. Mutations in FLNA, encoding filamin A, are responsible for the X linked dominant form of BPNH (FLNA-BPNH). Recently, atypical phenotypes including BPNH with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (BPNH-EDS) have been recognised. A total of 44 FLNA mutations have so far been reported in this phenotype. Most of these mutations lead to a truncated protein, but few missense mutations have also been described. Here, the results of a mutation screening conducted in a series of 32 BPNH patients with the identification of 12 novel point mutations in 15 patients are reported. Nine mutations were truncating, while three were missense. Three additional patients with BPNH-EDS and a mutation in FLNA are described. No phenotype-genotype correlations could be established, but these clinical data sustain the importance of cardiovascular monitoring in FLNA-BPNH patients.

Tumoral calcinosis due to GALNT3 C.516-2A >T mutation in a black African family

Familial Tumoral Calcinosis (FTC) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of the phosphocalcic metabolism caused by mutations in the FGF23 or GALNT3 genes. We have identified a Beninese family in which two brothers present FTC caused by a homozygous A>T transversion at the acceptor splice site in intron 1 of GALNT3 gene. We report on the clinical, biochemical, histopathological and molecular spectrum of the disorder in this family. The particularly severe phenotype, the amelogenesis imperfecta, and the carbapatite deposit observed in these patients, seem to be characteristic of our observations.

Leucodystrophy and oculocutaneous albinism in a child with an 11q14 deletion

We report a patient with an undetermined leucodystrophy associated with type 1A oculocutaneous albinism (OCA). Type 1 OCA results from recessive mutations in the tyrosinase gene (TYR) located in 11q14.3. The patient was found by FISH to carry a deletion of at least the first exon of the TYR gene on one chromosome and a (TG) deletion at codon 244/245 on the second chromosome. The existence of the microdeletion suggested that a gene responsible for leucodystrophy was located in the vicinity of the TYR gene. A combination of a test of hemizygosity and contig mapping studies allowed us to map the gene within a 0.6 cM region flanked by microsatellite markers D11S1780 and D11S931.

Refined localisation of the voltage-gated chloride channel, CLCN3, to 4q33

Mutations in ion channels have been shown to be responsible for a variety of neurological and muscular diseases. The voltage-gated chloride channel CLCN3 was recently mapped to chromosomal region 4q32. We are analysing a young female patient with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and chorea associated with an inversion-deletion of chromosome 4 [46XX,inv(4)del(4)(qter-->q33::p15.32-->q33]. Considering that chorea in this patient might be due to the disruption of a gene at either of the 4p15.32 or 4q33 breakpoints, CLCN3 was considered as a candidate gene. We showed by FISH analysis with a CLCN3 YAC that the gene was not broken by the inv-del event, and was therefore an unlikely candidate. Using high resolution techniques, we refined the localisation of CLCN3 to 4q33.

Clotrimazole and efaroxan inhibit red cell Gardos channel independently of imidazoline I1 and I2 binding sites

In the present report, we investigated the potential involvement of imidazoline I1 and I2 binding sites in the inhibition of the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel (Gardos channel) by clotrimazole in human red cells. Ca(2+)-activated 86Rb influx was inhibited by clotrimazole and efaroxan but not by the imidazoline binding site ligands clonidine, moxonidine, cirazoline and idazoxan (100 microM). Binding studies with [3H]idazoxan and [3H]p-aminoclonidine did not reveal the expression of I1 and I2 binding sites in erythrocytes. These data indicate that the effects of clotrimazole and efaroxan on the erythrocyte Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel may be mediated by a 'non-I1/non-I2' binding site.

Structural and ligand recognition properties of imidazoline binding proteins in tissues of rat and rabbit

Imidazoline/guanidinium receptive sites (IGRS) belong to a family of membrane proteins that selectively recognize certain pharmacologically active compounds with an imidazoline or a guanidinium moiety. The role of such proteins in the cellular responses elicited by these compounds is unclear, but two members of this protein family are identical to isoforms of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the metabolism of monamine neurotransmitters. To characterize the structural and ligand recognition properties of the imidazoline binding proteins, we used the photoaffinity adduct [125I]iodoazidophe-noxymethylimidazoline ([125I]AZIPI) to label their ligand binding subunits in selected target tissues (kidney, pancreatic B cells, liver, and salivary gland). Photoaffinity labeling of membrane preparations or subcellular particulate fractions from various rat, rabbit, or hamster tissues indicated two labeled peptides of M(r) approximately 55,000 and approximately 61,000, the relative tissue distribution of which mirrored the expression of the A or B isoforms of monoamine oxidase. The ligand binding subunit of imidazoline binding proteins was identified on two peptides of M(r) approximately 55,000 and approximately 61,000 in rat and rabbit kidney, rat liver, rabbit salivary gland, and the pancreatic B cell line RIN-5AH, whereas only an M(r) approximately 61,000 peptide was observed in rat salivary gland and the hamster pancreatic B cell line HIT-T15. Saturation labeling experiments indicated that [125I]AZIPI exhibited similar affinity (Kd approximately 2-3 nM) for both the M(r) approximately 55,000 and approximately 61,000 peptides. However, competitive inhibition of photolabeling indicated that the two peptides were distinguished by their affinity for the guanidinium guanabenz or their interaction with potassium. Although some types of imidazoline binding sites are located on the enzyme monoamine oxidase, the nonisoform selective enzyme inhibitor pargyline did not alter photoaffinity labeling of either the M(r) approximately 55,000 or approximately 61,000 peptide, indicating that imidazolines/guanidiniums and active site inhibitors of monoamine oxidase interact with different domains on the enzyme. In rat kidney and liver, an additional photolabeled peptide of M(r) approximately 25,000 was observed, and its ligand recognition profile was distinct from the M(r) approximately 55,000 and approximately 61,000 species. In contrast with the mitochondrial location of the larger peptides, subcellular fractionation of liver homogenates indicated that the M(r) approximately 25,000 localized to the plasma membrane.

Localization of I2-imidazoline binding sites on monoamine oxidases

Imidazoline binding sites (IBS) were proposed to be responsible for some of the pharmacological and therapeutic activities of imidazoline and related compounds and have been classified into two subtypes, I1BS and I2BS. Convergent studies attribute a role in central blood pressure regulation to the I1BS. In contrast, the function of I2BS remains unknown. In the present study, by combining biochemical and molecular biology approaches, we show that 1) microsequencing of I2BS purified from rabbit kidney mitochondria allowed the recovery of four peptide sequence stretches displaying up to 85.7% similarity with human, rat, and bovine monoamine oxidases (MAO)-A and -B; 2) I2BS and MAO displayed identical biophysical characteristics as their activities, measured by [3H]idazoxan binding and [14C]tyramine oxidation, respectively, could not be separated using various chromatographic procedures; and 3) heterologous expression of human placenta MAO-A and human liver MAO-B in yeast, inherently devoid of I2BS and MAO activities, led to the coexpression of [3H]idazoxan binding sites displaying ligand-recognition properties typical of I2BS. These results show definitely that I2BS is located on both MAO-A and -B. The fact that I2BS ligands inhibited MAO activity independently of the interaction with the catalytic region suggests that I2BS might be a previously unknown MAO regulatory site.

Cortical [3H]ketanserin binding and 5-HT2A receptor-mediated behavioral responses in obese Zucker rats

Past studies have indicated that genetically obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats are hypercorticoid, and that this neuroendocrine alteration plays a key role in the syndrome. In keeping with the proposal that glucocorticoids may upregulate central 5-HT2A receptors, we have studied the effects of acute and repeated 5-HT2A receptor stimulation by 1-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) in lean and obese Zucker rats. Acute injection of DOI (2 mg/kg, SC) elicited a lower number of head shakes in obese rats compared to that measured in lean rats. Conversely, neither DOI-elicited decreases in food intakes and body weights nor cortical [3H]ketanserin binding were affected by obesity. In rats repeatedly pretreated with DOI, biochemical and functional indices of 5-HT2A receptor downregulation failed to reveal an effect of obesity. It is suggested that 5-HT2A receptor-mediated functions, but not their downregulation, may be differentially affected in the hypercorticoid obese Zucker rat.

Effects of chlorisondamine and restraint on cortical [3H]ketanserin binding, 5-HT2A receptor-mediated head shakes, and behaviours in models of anxiety

A recent study has indicated that ganglionic transmission mediates acute restraint-elicited increases in brain tryptophan (5-HT precursor) levels, 5-HT synthesis and (possibly) release. Because restraint-induced release of 5-HT has been shown to be associated with a paradoxical increase in cortical 5-HT2A receptor binding, we have examined the influence of 5-HT synthesis/release upon cortical 5-HT2A receptor binding and 5-HT2A receptor-mediated head shakes in 3-hr restrained rats pretreated with the ganglionic blocker chlorisondamine. In keeping with past reports regarding the effects of restraint and ganglionic blockade upon anxiety, we have also measured the behavioural effects of restraint and/or chlorisondamine in two animal models of anxiety, the elevated plus-maze and the social interaction test. Chlorisondamine pretreatment (2.5 mg/kg, 20 min beforehand) prevented restraint-elicited defaecation and body weight decreases. Although stress amplified the head shake response to the injection of the 5-HT2A/5-HT2C receptor agonist 1-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI, 1 or 2 mg/kg 2 hr after the end of restraint), cortical [3H]ketanserin binding remained unaltered. Chlorisondamine treatment was inactive, except for the amplification of the head shake response to DOI (2 mg/kg) in restrained rats. When exposed to the social interaction test, neither restraint nor chlorisondamine affected social interaction, locomotion, or rearings. In the elevated plus-maze, the percent number of open arms entered and the total number of arms entered were decreased by acute restraint, whilst chlorisondamine pretreatment was inactive.

Behavioural and biochemical evidence that glucocorticoids are not involved in DOI-elicited 5-HT2 receptor down-regulation

Numerous studies have brought evidence for reciprocal relationships between glucocorticoids and 5-HT2 receptors; however, whether glucocorticoids affect 5-HT2 receptor regulation is still unknown. Herein, we have analyzed whether 5-HT2 receptor down-regulation following repeated administration of the 5-HT2/5-HT1C receptor agonist 1-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) is affected by glucocorticoid removal. Compared with sham surgery, adrenalectomy (11-15 days beforehand) did not affect either frontal cortex [3H]ketanserin binding nor the number of head shakes elicited by a single administration of DOI (2.5 mg/kg s.c.). Pretreatment with DOI (2.5 mg/kg s.c. x 4 in 48 h) decreased to similar extents the head shake response to DOI injection in sham (-88%) and adrenalectomised (-95%) rats. Confirmingly, this paradigm was found to diminish the Bmax for [3H]ketanserin binding in sham and adrenalectomised rats by 64% and 46%, respectively. From these data, it is concluded that glucocorticoid removal does not alter 5-HT2 receptor binding and function nor does it affect 5-HT2 receptor down-regulation.

[Imidazoline-guanidine site: a subtype of imidazoline receptors]

Since the demonstration that imidazoline and guanidinium alpha-2 adrenergic agonists induce some of their functional effects by a "nonadrenergic" mechanism, many efforts have been done to identify an imidazoline receptor. Binding studies have allowed to characterize two classes of potential imidazoline receptors: the "(p-amino)clonidine" and the "idazoxan" binding sites. These last, that we named "imidazoline-guanidinium receptive sites" (IGRS) on the basis of their ligand-recognition properties, have been identified, for the first time, in the proximal tubule from rabbit and human kidney. In the present report we will summarize the studies that led us to the characterization of IGRS.

Purification and characterization of mitochondrial imidazoline-guanidinium receptive site from rabbit kidney

The imidazoline-guanidinium receptive site (IGRS) is a membrane-bound protein that may mediate some of the pharmacological effects of imidazoline and guanidinium compounds. The structure and functionality of this protein are unknown but, in addition to its location at the plasma membrane, it is found in high density in the outer membrane of mitochondria (Tesson, F., Prip-Buus, C., Lemoine, A., Pegorier, J.-P., and Parini, A. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 155-160). Using a two-step procedure, we report the purification of mitochondrial IGRS from rabbit kidney to the apparent homogeneity. After solubilization of mitochondrial membranes with digitonin, an apparently homogeneous IGRS preparation was obtained by two sequential purification steps, chromatofocusing and hydroxylapatite-agarose chromatography. One- and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of the purified preparation after silver staining or radioiodination indicated that IGRS binding subunit was purified at the apparent homogeneity since a single band (M(r) approximately 60,000) was observed. IGRS behaves as an acidic protein (pI 5.5) whose binding activity is regulated by H+ concentration near a physiological pH of 7.4. The ability to achieve rapid purification of IGRS should facilitate efforts to define molecular properties and functionality of this protein.

Factors determining the specificity of signal transduction by guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors. I. Coupling of alpha 2-adrenergic receptor subtypes to distinct G-proteins

alpha 2-Adrenergic receptor (alpha 2-AR) subtypes couple to pertussis toxin (PT)-sensitive G-proteins to elicit both stimulatory and inhibitory cell responses. Signal specificity may be generated by the ability of the receptor subtypes to "recognize" distinct G-proteins with different affinity. To address this issue we stably expressed three alpha 2-AR subtypes, RNG alpha 2 (alpha 2B-AR), RG10 (alpha 2C-AR), and RG20 (alpha 2D-AR), in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, which express two PT-sensitive G-proteins (Gi alpha 2, Gi alpha 3), and analyzed receptor/G-protein interactions by determining: 1) functional coupling to adenylylcyclase and 2) the ability of the receptors to exist in a high affinity state for agonist. In alpha 2D-AR transfectants expressing 200 or 2,200 fmol of receptor/mg of protein, epinephrine (10 microM) inhibited forskolin-induced elevation of cellular cAMP by 26 +/- 4.8% and 72 +/- 6.2%, respectively. Similar results were obtained in alpha 2B-AR transfectants. However, in alpha 2C-AR transfectants (200 fmol/mg) the forskolin-induced elevation of cellular cAMP was not altered by agonist treatment. In alpha 2C-AR transfectants expressing higher receptor densities (650-1,200 fmol/mg), epinephrine inhibited the effect of forskolin by 30 +/- 3.2%. This difference in functional coupling among the alpha 2-AR subtypes is reflected at the receptor/G-protein interface. In membrane preparations of alpha 2B and alpha 2D-AR but not alpha 2C-AR transfectants, agonist competition curves were biphasic, indicating high and low affinity states of the receptor for agonist. The high affinity state was guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate- and PT-sensitive, indicative of receptor/G-protein coupling. These data suggest that the alpha 2C-AR differs from the alpha 2B and alpha 2D-AR subtypes in its ability to recognize PT-sensitive G-proteins expressed in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. The alpha 2C-AR may couple preferentially to PT-sensitive G-proteins (Gi1, Go1,2) not expressed in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and thereby elicit different cellular responses.

Factors determining the specificity of signal transduction by guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors. II. Preferential coupling of the alpha 2C-adrenergic receptor to the guanine nucleotide-binding protein, Go

Cell to cell communication by many hormones and neurotransmitters involves three major entities: receptor (R), G-protein (G), and effector molecule (E). Plasticity in this system is conferred by the existence of each entity as isoforms or closely related subtypes that are expressed in a tissue-specific and developmentally regulated manner. Factors that determine signal specificity in this system are poorly understood. Such factors include the relative affinity and stoichiometry of R-G or G-E and the possible colocalization of R-G-E in cellular microdomains. Utilizing the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor (alpha 2-AR) system as a representative subfamily of this class of signal transducers, we determined the relative importance of these factors. By analysis of R-G coupling in mammalian cells cotransfected with alpha 2-AR genes and G alpha cDNA, we demonstrate preferential coupling between an alpha 2-AR subtype and Go. Our data implicate R-G affinity as an important determinant of signal transduction specificity and indicate that a critical level of Go alpha is required for coupling. This report indicates the utility of R-G cotransfection in mammalian cells as a "natural environment model" to characterize events occurring at the R-G and G-E interface.

Characterization of imidazoline-guanidinium receptive sites in renal medulla from human kidney

Previous studies showed that alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and imidazoline-guanidinium receptive sites (IGRS) are colocalized in rabbit and human renal proximal tubule. In the present study we investigated the localization of these two binding sites in the renal medulla from human kidney. Binding studies performed with [3H]idazoxan (IGRS ligand) and [3H]rauwolscine (alpha 2-adrenergic ligand) showed that, in membrane preparations from renal medulla, the density of IGRS was 3.6-fold higher than that of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors (134 +/- 7 v 37 +/- 5 fmol/mg protein, respectively). These data indicate that imidazoline, guanidinium, and oxazoline derivatives could induce their therapeutic effects through the interaction with IGRS and/or alpha 2-adrenergic receptors located not only in the renal proximal tubule but also in other segments of the nephron.

Imidazoline-guanidinium receptive site in renal proximal tubule: asymmetric distribution, regulation by cations and interaction with an endogenous clonidine displacing substance

In the present report we have used [3H]idazoxan to characterize the rabbit renal imidazoline preferring site by defining its plasmalemma distribution, its regulation by cations and the type of interaction with the clonidine displacing substance (CDS), a putative endogenous ligand for the imidazoline receptor. The density of [3H]idazoxan binding sites was 12-fold higher in purified basolateral membranes than in brush-border membranes (maximal binding activity, 566 +/- 118 vs. 46 +/- 2 fmol/mg of protein). In basolateral membranes, [3H]idazoxan binding was inhibited not only by imidazoline compounds but also by guanidinium analogs such as guanabenz, amiloride, 5-(M-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride and phenamylamiloride. Amiloride had no effect on the dissociation rate of [3H]idazoxan, suggesting a direct interaction of this molecule with the ligand binding site. [3H]Idazoxan binding was 80% inhibited by 150 mM K+ or Rb+. The effect of K+ appeared to occur through the interaction with an allosteric site in as much as both the apparent dissociation constant and the dissociation rate of [3H]idazoxan were increased in the presence of 75 mM K+. CDS inhibited [3H]idazoxan binding with a half-maximal effective concentration of 2 U/250 microliters. The competitive nature of CDS effect was indicated by the increase in the apparent dissociation constant of [3H]idazoxan (Kd from 3 +/- 0.3 to 8.5 +/- 0.2 nM, P less than .01) in the presence of CDS. In conclusion, our findings showed that the imidazoline-guanidinium receptive site is located mainly in the basolateral side of the tubular cell, recognizes CDS and is regulated by K+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Interaction of rilmenidine with renal imidazoline-guanidine sites]

Several studies have suggested that clonidine, guanfacine and rilmenidine decrease systemic blood pressure by stimulating central alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. However, we have shown that these molecules interact not only with alpha 2-adrenergic but also a new type of "non catecholamine" receptor in rabbit and human renal proximal tubules. This receptor, which we have called the imidazoline-guanidium receptor site (IGRS) seems to be pharmacologically, biochemically and fractionally distinct from alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. In order to determine the relative affinity of rilmenidine for these two types of receptor, we studied its capacity to inhibit the liaison of (H3)-idazoxan, a ligand with a high affinity for the IGRS, and of (H3)-rauwolscine, a ligand selective for alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the rabbit kidney. The results based on the apparent constants of inhibition (Ki) of the two radioligands [231 +/- 34 nM for (H3)-idazoxan and 2440 +/- 322 nM for (H3)-rauwolscine] showed that the selectivity of rilmenidine was 10 times greater for IGRS than for alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. This preferential activity on IGRS was confirmed by studies of the influx of Na22 into isolated renal proximal tubule cells of the rabbit. They showed that rilmenidine, in contrast to catecholamines, inhibited the transport of Na22 into the renal cells. In conclusion, the data from our studies shows that rilmenidine interacts with renal IGRS and inhibits cellular transport of sodium by a mechanism other than the stimulation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of an imidazoline/guanidinium receptive site distinct from the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor

alpha 2-Adrenergic receptors recognize a number of molecules with diverse chemical structures, including the yohimban diastereoisomers yohimbine and rauwolscine, catecholamines, guanidinium analogs, and imidazolines, such as clonidine. The affinity of the receptor protein for some of these ligands can vary by 10-100-fold among various tissues and species, suggesting a heterogeneous class of binding sites. Certain cellular effects elicited by the compounds possessing an imidazoline or guanidinium moiety may actually be mediated by a membrane receptor distinct from the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor. To determine whether this imidazoline/guanidinium receptive site (IGRS) and the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor represent distinct proteins, we solubilized and partially characterized the two binding sites in rabbit kidney. This tissue expresses both alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and high affinity imidazoline/guanidinium binding sites, the latter which are rauwolscine-insensitive but can be identified with the benzodioxan [3H]idazoxan. The IGRS and alpha 2-adrenergic receptor in rabbit kidney exhibit distinct ligand recognition properties, which are maintained after solubilization and partial purification. In addition, the two receptors can be physically separated by heparin-agarose or lectin affinity chromatography indicating that the two binding sites are distinct entities. [3H]Idazoxan binding is trypsin-sensitive, indicating that the IGRS is a protein rather than a lipid component of the plasma membrane. [3H]Idazoxan binding is not inhibited by endogenous agonists for known neurotransmitter receptors. However, the IGRS does recognize clonidine-displacing substance, a small non-catechol compound isolated from calf brain, suggesting the existence of a previously uncharacterized hormonal/neurotransmitter receptor system.

[Selectivity of alpha 2-adrenergic agonists for the imidazoline-guanidine and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors]

Imidazolines have been proposed as highly selective drugs for alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. However, we have recently showed that the imidazoline ligand 3H-RX 781094 (idazoxan) binds to both alpha 2-receptors and imidazoline guanidinium receptive substance (IGRS) in rabbit renal proximal tubule. Binding of 3H-RX 781094 to the purified basolateral membranes (15-fold enriched in Na-KATPase activity) was rapid (t 1/2 = 5 mn.) reversible (t 1/2) = 4 mn.), saturable and of high affinity. Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding data showed that 3H-RX 781094 labels 566 +/- 118 fmol/mg of proteins of binding sites with an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 1.45 +/- 0.14 nM. On the other hand, the non imidazoline ligand 3H-rauwolscine binds only to the alpha 2-adrenergic receptors with a maximal density of 155 +/- 28 fmol/mg of protein and a Kd of 11.5 +/- 1.5 nM. In order to define the relative affinity of the alpha-2-agonists, clonidine, rilmenidine and guanfacine for the two classes of receptors, we performed competition studies of the alpha 2-antagonists 3H-RX 781094 (imidazoline) and 3H-rauwolscine (non imidazoline) binding to basolateral membranes from rabbit proximal tubule. The order of potency for inhibition of the two radioligand binding was rilmenidine greater than clonidine greater than guanfacine for 3H-RX 781094 and clonidine greater than guanfacine greater than rilmenidine for 3H-rauwolscine. Therefore, rilmenidine displayed a higher affinity for IGRS than for alpha 2 adrenergic receptors; on the other hand, clonidine and guanfacine preferentially interact with alpha 2 receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Different affinities of alpha 2-agonists for imidazoline and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors

It has recently been shown that imidazoline alpha 2-adrenergic agonists, such as clonidine and UK 14,304, selectively bind to both alpha 2- and imidazoline receptors in basolateral membranes from rabbit renal proximal tubule. In order to define the relative affinity of three antihypertensive alpha 2-agonists for the two classes of receptors, we performed competition studies of imidazoline alpha 2-antagonist 3H-RX 781094 and nonimidazoline antagonist 3H-rauwolscine binding to basolateral membranes from rabbit proximal tubule. The order of potency for inhibition of radioligand binding to basolateral membranes was rilmenidine greater than clonidine greater than guanfacine and clonidine greater than guanfacine greater than rilmenidine for 3H-RX 781094 and 3H-rauwolscine binding, respectively. These data show that not only clonidine, but also rilmenidine and guanfacine, drugs usually used as specific alpha 2-agonists, bind to both alpha 2- and imidazoline receptors. The higher affinity of these molecules for one or the other class of receptors could explain their different capacity to induce hypotension and side effects.

Interaction of clonidine and rilmenidine with imidazoline-preferring receptors

In the present study the imidazoline radioligand 3H-RX 781094 (idazoxan) was used to characterize the alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in basolateral membranes of rabbit proximal tubule. Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding data showed that 3H-RX 781094 labels 566 +/- 118 fmol/mg protein of binding sites with an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 1.45 +/- 0.14 nmol/l. However, in competition studies, only 25% of the 3H-RX 781094 binding was inhibited by catecholamines and alpha 2-adrenergic compounds; the remaining 75% of specific binding was inhibited only by molecules having an imidazoline or oxazoline ring with the following order of potency: cirazoline greater than tolazoline greater than UK 14 304 greater than rilmenidine greater than clonidine. These data suggest that imidazoline compounds bind to both alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and to a 'non-adrenergic site' which might be defined as an imidazoline-preferring receptor. Based on these results, it is possible to hypothesize that imidazoline and oxazoline drugs, such as clonidine and rilmenidine, exert their hypotensive activity partly through the stimulation of imidazoline receptors.

Noradrenaline content and adrenergic receptors in kidney and heart of the prehypertensive and hypertensive Lyon rat strain

Sympathetic activity modulates the blood pressure in part by activation of cardiac and renal adrenergic receptors. Thus an alteration of tissue noradrenaline content and/or adrenergic receptors in heart and kidney might be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In order to verify this possibility, we studied tissue noradrenaline content and alpha and beta adrenergic receptors in the heart and kidney of Lyon hypertensive (LH), normotensive (LN), and low-pressure (LL) rats. Density and affinity of receptors were determined using the specific radioligands [3H]-prazosin (alpha 1), [3H]-rauwolscine (alpha 2), and [3H]-dihydroalprenolol (beta) in prehypertensive (5-week-old) and hypertensive (21-week-old) rats. In the prehypertensive period, no differences concerning renal and cardiac noradrenaline content and adrenergic receptor densities and affinities were observed. In the hypertensive period, an age-related decrease of renal alpha 1 and beta receptors was observed in LN and LL (P less than 0.01) but not in LH rats. Consequently, at this time, density of renal alpha 1 and beta receptors was higher in LH than in LN and LL (P less than 0.01). In contrast, the density and affinity of renal alpha 2 and cardiac alpha 1 and beta receptors and tissue noradrenaline content were similar in the three rat strains. Because renal alpha 1 and beta receptors mediate various functions involved in the control of blood pressure such as tubular sodium reabsorption, renin secretion, and glomerular filtration, the different density of these receptors in LH rats might be involved in the development or maintenance of hypertension.

Evidence for imidazoline binding sites in basolateral membranes from rabbit kidney

[3H]-RX 781094 and [3H]-rauwolscine, two potent alpha 2-adrenergic antagonists, were used to characterize alpha 2 receptor in basolateral membranes from rabbit kidney. However, the following findings suggest that the imidazoline [3H]-RX 781094 binds to an heterogeneous population of binding sites: 1) dissociation plot was biphasic with a fast and slow component, 2) in saturation experiments, [3H]-RX 781094 labels 3.5 more binding sites than [3H]-rauwolscine (p less than 0.02), 3) competition studies showed that molecules with imidazoline structure completely inhibited the [3H] RX 781094 binding; in contrast, only 25% of binding was affected by non-imidazoline alpha 2 adrenergic compounds. These results suggest that in basolateral membranes from rabbit kidney, [3H] RX781094 labels alpha 2 adrenergic and non-adrenergic receptors which might be imidazoline-preferring binding sites.