Photoaffinity labeling of human platelet and rabbit kidney alpha 2-adrenoceptors with [3H]SKF 102229.

A newly developed alpha 2-adrenergic photoaffinity ligand, 3-methyl-6-chloro-9-azido-1H-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-benzazepine (SKF 102229), has been radiolabeled with tritium to a specific activity of approximately 80 Ci/mmol. Using membranes prepared from human platelets and from rabbit kidney, alpha 2-adrenoceptors have been covalently labeled following photolysis in the presence of [3H]SKF 102229. As determined by SDS-PAGE, the apparent molecular weight of alpha 2-adrenoceptors from both of these tissues was 64,000. The yield of covalent insertion of [3H]SKF 102229 into the alpha 2-adrenoceptor was very good. Thus, following photolysis up to 90% of the alpha 2-adrenoceptors could be irreversibly labeled with [3H]SKF 102229.

Duke Scholars

Author Robert J. Lefkowitz Medicine, Cardiology