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R J Lefkowitz

Publications and source records attributed to R J Lefkowitz.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

Pharmacological characterizations of adrenergic receptors in human adipocytes.

Three types of adrenergic receptors, beta, alpha-1, and alpha-2, were identified in human adipocytes, isolated from properitoneal adipose tissue, using both the binding of radioactive ligands and the effects of adrenergic agents on receptor-specific biochemical responses. Adrenergic binding studies showed the following results: [(3)H]dihydroalprenolol binding (beta adrenergic) B(max) 280 fmol/mg protein, K(D) 0.38 nM; [(3)H]para-aminoclonidine binding (alpha-2 adrenergic) B(max) 166 fmol/mg protein, K(D) 0.49 nM; [(3)H]WB 4101 binding (alpha-1 adrenergic) B(max) 303 fmol/mg protein, K(D) 0.86 nM. In adipocytes from subcutaneous adipose tissue, [(3)H]dihydroergocryptine binding indicated the presence of alpha-2 but not alpha-1 receptors. Beta and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors appeared to be positively and negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase, respectively. Cells or cell membranes were incubated with epinephrine (10 muM) alone and in combination with the antagonists yohimbine (alpha-2) and prazosin (alpha-1). Epinephrine alone prompted a modest increase in adenylate cyclase activity, cyclic AMP, and glycerol release, an index of lipolysis. Yohimbine (0.1 muM) greatly enhanced these actions whereas prazosin was without effect. The beta agonist, isoproterenol, stimulated glycerol release, whereas the alpha-2 agonist, clonidine, inhibited lipolysis and cyclic AMP accumulation. To assess further alpha-1 receptors, cells were incubated with [(32)P]phosphate and epinephrine (10 muM) alone and in combination with prazosin and yohimbine. Epinephrine alone caused a three- to fourfold increase in (32)P incorporation into phosphatidylinositol. Prazosin (0.1 muM) blocked this action whereas yohimbine (0.1 muM) was without effect. Thus, in a homogeneous cell preparation, the human adipocyte appears to have three different adrenergic receptors, each of which is coupled to a distinct biochemical response.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1981

Hypothyroidism modulates beta adrenergic receptor adenylate cyclase interactions in rat reticulocytes.

We have investigated alterations in beta adrenergic receptor binding sites of rat reticulocytes occurring in animals rendered hypothyroid by thyroidectomy. Beta adrenergic receptor interactions were assessed by measuring the number of (-)[3H]-dihydroalprenolol binding sites and the ability of an agonist to compete for occupancy of the receptors. The number of receptors was significantly reduced in cells from the hypothyroid animals. In addition, there were significant agonist-specific alterations in binding. Using computer assisted curve fitting techniques, it was found that the ability of (-)isoproterenol to stabilize a high affinity guanine nucleotide sensitive "coupled" form of the receptor was impaired. Reticulocytes from hypothyroid animals have, in addition, a reduction in the concentration of the nucleotide regulatory protein as assessed by the number of 42,000 Mr substrates for cholera toxin catalyzed ADP ribosylation. These alterations are associated with reductions in catecholamine and NaF stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. Diminished coupling of beta adrenergic receptors with other regulatory components of the adenylate cyclase system represents a mechanism by which altered thyroid states modulate beta adrenergic receptor function and beta adrenergic responsiveness of tissues.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1981

Myocardial beta-adrenergic receptors from adrenalectomized rats: impaired formation of high-affinity agonist-receptor complexes.

Adrenal steroid hormones potentiate beta-adrenergic actions on the heart. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of adrenalectomy on agonist and antagonist interactions with myocardial beta-adrenergic receptors and adenylate cyclase. The affinity and number of beta-adrenergic receptor sites, both defined by the antagonist (-) [3H]dihydroalprenolol, did not change after adrenalectomy. Computer modelling of agonist (-)-isoproterenol competition curves indicated the presence of two discrete receptor states with high and low affinities. After adrenalectomy, the agonist curves were shifted to the right, and the dissociation constant of the high-affinity state significantly rose from 12 to 48 nM (p < .001), but the dissociation constant of the low affinity state was unchanged. Although basal, maximal isoproterenol-stimulated and fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were unaltered, the EC50 for isoproterenol stimulation was increased significantly from 490 to 1500 nM (p <.018). These results suggest that adrenal steroid hormones may regulate the ability of the beta-adrenergic receptors to form a high-affinity "coupled" state, presumably by modulating the interaction of the receptor with nucleotide regulatory proteins.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1981

alpha-Adrenergic receptors in human adipocyte membranes: direct determination by [3H]yohimbine binding.

The presence of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in membranes derived from human sc adipose tissue was directly demonstrated with a new alpha 2-selective ligand, [3H]yohimbine. Binding of this radiolabeled antagonist to adipocyte membranes was of high affinity (Kd = 3.9 +/- 2.4 nM) and saturable. Computer modelling of [3H]yohimbine saturation curves demonstrated that it binds to a homogeneous class of sites with a density of 145.0 +/- 33.8 fmol/mg protein. Adrenergic agonists competed with [3H]yohimbine in the order expected of alpha-receptors, and their binding was strongly influenced by guanine nucleotides. Competition of alpha-antagonists with this radioligand demonstrated yohimbine to be more potent than prazosin, indicative of alpha 2-receptors. Antagonist binding was unaffected by guanine nucleotides. Paired saturation curves in these adipocyte membranes with the alpha 2-selective [3H]yohimbine and the nonsubtype selective alpha-antagonist [3H]dihydroergocryptine demonstrated similar receptor concentrations. [3H]Dihydroergocryptine has been previously shown to label both alpha 3- and alpha 2-receptors with equal affinity. Therefore, these data indicate that the vast majority of alpha-receptors in human sc fat are of the alpha 2-subtype. [3H]Yohimbine with its alpha 2-selectivity and high specific binding will provide an excellent tool for the clinical investigation of human adipocyte alpha-receptor mechanisms in both normal and pathological states.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1981

Agonist-promoted high affinity state of the beta-adrenergic receptor in human neutrophils: modulation by corticosteroids.

beta-Adrenergic agonists form high affinity complexes with receptors, resulting in activation of the associated adenylate cyclase. To examine the formation of the high affinity state of the receptor, curves were constructed for the competition of the full beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, partial agonists cobefrin and soterenol, and the antagonist propranolol for [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding to beta-adrenergic receptors on human neutrophil membranes. Curve modeling by computer yielded a two-state binding model for the agonists, with distinct dissociation constants for the high (KH) and low (KL) affinity states. The ratio of dissociation constants (KL/KH) was found to be well correlated (P less than 0.01) with the drug's intrinsic activity for stimulation of adenylate cyclase. Thus, the degree of coupling of receptor occupation with adenylate cyclase activation is correlated with the magnitude of KL/KH. Administration of cortisone to humans resulted in a substantial rise in the proportion of receptors in the high affinity state and in the KL/KH determined from isoproterenol competition curves, as well as a rise in adenylate cyclase activity. Furthermore, in vitro exposure of human neutrophils to hydrocortisone resulted in a similar rise in KL/KH determined from isoproterenol competition curves. Therefore, one mechanism by which cortisone modulates beta-adrenergic receptor function appears to be through facilitating the formation of the high affinity state of the receptor, resulting in greater coupling of receptor occupation with adenylate cyclase activation.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1981

Differential effects of cholera toxin on guanine nucleotide regulation of beta-adrenergic agonist high affinity binding and adenylate cyclase activation in frog erythrocyte membranes.

The guanine nucleotide regulatory protein(s) regulates both adenylate cyclase activity and the affinity of adenylate cyclase-coupled receptors for hormones or agonist drugs. Cholera toxin catalyzes the covalent modification of the nucleotide regulatory protein of adenylate cyclase systems. Incubation of frog erythrocyte membranes with cholera toxin and NAD+ did not substantially alter the dose dependency for guanine nucleotide activation of adenylate cyclase activity. In contrast, toxin treated membranes demonstrated a 10 fold increase in the concentrations of guanine nucleotide required for a half maximal effect in regulating beta-adrenergic receptor affinity for the agonist (+/-) [3H]hydroxybenzylisoproterenol. The data emphasize the bifunctional nature of the guanine nucleotide regulatory protein and suggest that distinct structural domains of the guanine nucleotide regulatory protein may mediate the distinct regulatory effects on adenylate cyclase and receptor affinity for agonists.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1981

Catecholamine-induced desensitization in turkey erythrocytes: cAMP mediated impairment of high affinity agonist binding without alteration in receptor number.

Desensitization of turkey erythrocyte adenylate cyclase by exposure of these cells to the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol leads to a decrease in subsequent adenylate cyclase stimulation by isoproterenol, F-, or Gpp(NH)p without any apparent loss or down regulation of receptors (B.B. Hoffman et al. J. Cyclic Nucl. Res. 5: 363-366, 1979). We now report that the desensitization is associated with a functional "uncoupling" of the beta-adrenergic receptor. This is evidenced by an impaired ability of receptors to form a high affinity, guanine nucleotide sensitive complex with agonist as assessed by computer analysis of radioligand binding data. The changes in adenylate cyclase responsiveness as well as the alterations in receptor affinity for agonists are reproduced by incubation of turkey erythrocytes with the cAMP analog 8-Bromo-adenosine 3':5'- cyclic monophosphate. These findings suggest that one possible mechanism for the development of desensitization in adenylate cyclase systems may be a cAMP mediated alteration of a component(s) of the beta-adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase complex which results in impaired receptor-cyclase coupling.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗