Binding Inhibition Curves Research Articles

Dimeric ACE2-FC Is Equivalent to Monomeric ACE2 in the Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the main cellular receptor for the dangerous sarbecoviruses SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Its recombinant extracellular domain is used to monitor the level of protective humoral immune response to a viral infection or vaccine using the surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). Soluble ACE2 is also considered as an option for antiviral therapy potentially insensitive to the changes in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Extensive testing of the samples of patient's serum by the sVNT method requires using preparations of ACE2 or ACE2 conjugates with constant properties. We have previously obtained a cell line that is a producer of a soluble monomeric ACE2 and showed that this ACE2 variant can be used in sVNT, preferably as a conjugate with horseradish peroxidase. A cell line that generates an ACE2-Fc fusion protein with high productivity, more than 150 mg/liter of the target protein when cultured in a stirred flask, was obtained for producing a stable and universally applicable form of soluble ACE2. The affinity-purified ACE2-Fc fusion contains a mixture of dimeric and tetrameric forms, but allows obtaining linear response curves for inhibition of binding with the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by antibodies. The ACE2-Fc-HRP-based sVNT testing system can be used for practical measurements of the levels of virus-neutralizing antibodies against various circulating variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Detection of ovomucoid-specific low-affinity IgE in infants and its relationship to eczema.

Allergen-specific low-affinity IgE was previously detected in cord blood by a highly sensitive densely carboxylated protein (DCP) chip, but not by ImmunoCAP. Here, we investigated the presence of low-affinity IgE during the early life of infants and observed its relationship with eczema. We conducted a birth cohort study, collecting sera at birth and 6 and 14 months of age (n = 110). We monitored the ovomucoid (OM)- and egg white (EW)-specific IgE (sIgE) by ImmunoCAP or DCP chip and analyzed the antigen affinity of sIgE by binding inhibition assays in the presence or absence of a mild chaotropic agent, diethyl amine (DEA). The low- and high-affinity OM-sIgEs and sensitization risk factors were analyzed by a multivariate logistic analysis. The OM-sIgE measured by DCP chip significantly correlated with that measured by ImmunoCAP, but some samples assessed as OM-sIgE positive by DCP chip were considered OM-sIgE negative by ImmunoCAP. Binding inhibition analysis after DEA treatment was performed for participants judged as OM-sIgE positive by DCP chip at 14 M. The group assessed as negative for OM- and EW-sIgE by ImmunoCAP at 6 and 14 months showed a larger binding inhibition curve shift after DEA treatment than did the group assessed as positive at these times, indicating the presence of low-affinity sIgE antibodies at 14 months. The logistic regression analysis found that persistent eczema from 6 to 14 months is a significant risk factor for developing high-affinity, but not low-affinity, sIgE. Human infant peripheral blood contains allergen-specific low-affinity sIgE. Persistent eczema is related to the development of high-affinity, but not low-affinity, IgE.

Detection of Ovomucoid-Specific Low-Affinity IgE in 14-Month-Old Infants and Its Relationship with Eczema

Norio Kawamoto, MD, PhD, Norio Kamemura, PhD, Hiroshi Kido, MD, PhD, Toshiyuki Fukao, MD, PhD; Gifu University, Gifu City, Japan, The University of Tokushima, Japan. RATIONALE: We previously demonstrated the presence of low-affinity IgE in human cord blood by using a newly developed high-sensitivity method. In this study, we investigated the presence of low-affinity IgE detected in their early life and observed its relationship with the eczema. METHODS: We conducted a birth cohort study (n5110) with collecting sera at birth (CB), 6 months (6M) and 14 months (14M) of age. We monitored ovomucoid (OM) and egg white (EW) specific-IgE (sIgE) on UniCAP and a glass slide (GCP)-chip. Affinity characteristics of OM-sIgE at 14M were analyzed in the presence or absence of a mild chaotropic agent, diethyl amine (DEA). RESULTS: Among 45 participants with positive for OM-sIgE on GCPchip at 14M, 23 participants showed negative and 22 showed positive for OM-sIgE by UniCAP at same age. We next compared two representative groups in positive by GCP-chip at 14M; a group with OMand EW-sIgE levels of 0.34 Ua/mL (n510). Sera of the former group showed a larger shift of binding inhibition curves after addedDEA (40mM) than that of matched, indicating the existence of low-affinity IgE. We were categorized by the diagnosis of eczema at 6M and 14M. No-eczema group had higher percentages of having low-affinity IgE as well as lower percentages of high-affinity IgE. CONCLUSIONS: We newly detected allergen-specific low-affinity IgE even in the human peripheral blood at 14M and eczema may risk factor for developing high-affinity IgE, not low-affinity IgE.

Development of a widely applicable immunoassay for insulin in marine teleosts that regulates cross-reactivity using biotinylation and inhibits interference by plasma components

Amino acids are important insulinotropins in fish, and their effects vary between amino acids and fish species. Insulin levels are indicative of growth efficiency and stress levels in fish; however, interspecies comparisons of insulin levels are hampered by the difficulty of measuring insulin concentration in each fish. We developed a widely applicable competitive immunoassay using biotinylated yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) insulin for measuring insulin in marine teleosts, including yellowtail and red seabream (Pagrus major), which are the most common species raised by aquaculture in Japan. Amino acid sequence substitution was limited at the ninth residue of the A-chain (A9) between these two species, and analysis of the primary structures of insulins from six phylogenetically far teleosts suggested that the sequences of yellowtail and red seabream insulins are identical to those of many teleosts, except the A9 residue. However, A9 is known to be an epitope that confers cross-reactive differences on insulin. We solved this problem through immunoreactive invalidation of this residue by biotinylation. The binding–inhibition curves of yellowtail and red seabream insulins were identical following the use of this technique. However, yellowtail and red seabream plasma was found to contain components that interfere with immunoassays. This problem was solved by the extraction of plasma using equal volume of acid–ethanol in yellowtail and by cooling at 0°C during the cross-reaction between the ligand and antibody in red seabream. Serially diluted plasma samples from both species exhibited linearity after these treatments. In a recovery test using plasma with added yellowtail insulin, the average recovery varied from 96.2% to 109.4%. A post-feeding rise in insulin was confirmed by this immunoassay in yellowtail, and peak of the rise was 39.8±7ng/ml at 1h postfeeding from 3.9±1.1ng/ml at 0h. This indicates that this assay is sufficient for measuring the baseline concentration of plasma insulin after starvation and is a useful indicator of nutritional status in yellowtail, as in other teleosts. This immunoassay demonstrated high performance and resisted interference from plasma components; consequently, it constitutes a useful tool for the interspecies evaluation of insulinotropins and represents a widely applicable insulin immunoassay for many teleosts.

Modeling binding equilibrium in a competitive estrogen receptor binding assay

Although the free concentration is more significant in the environmental chemistry and toxicology of receptor-mediated toxicants, few studies have been conducted to use it as a dose-metric. The relative binding affinity of three model endocrine disrupting compounds, diethylstilbestrol (DES), ethynylestradiol (EE2), and bisphenol A (BPA), were evaluated using a competitive ELISA with human estrogen receptor α. After measuring the available receptors and the dissociation constant for 17β-estradiol, binding inhibition curves using the free concentration as the dose-metric were obtained by assuming species equilibrium in the ELISA system and compared with apparent inhibition curves generated using the nominal concentration as the dose-metric. Because ligand binding to estrogen receptors may reduce its free concentration in the assay system, the differences between the two curves for free and nominal concentrations are more significant for more strongly binding ligands. The ratio of a compound’s nominal concentration causing 50% inhibition (IC50) to the IC50 of DES, the positive control, was strongly affected by specific assay conditions, while that estimated by modeling free concentration is independent of receptor concentration, indicating that the free concentration is a better dose-metric for a competitive binding assay.

Development of Non-Radioisotopic Immunoassay Systems for Measuring Flounder IGF-I

A time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay system (TR-FIA) for measuring flounder insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was developed using biotinylated flounder IGF-I, anti-fish IGF-I antiserum and europium-avidin conjugate. The detection limit per well was <5 pg/well corresponding to <0.5 ng/ml in a basic procedure for sample of 10 microl/well and to <0.08 ng/ml in a procedure modified for high volume samples (up to 70 microl/well). Specificity of the assay was validated using various IGF-Is and insulins. All IGFs except seabream IGF-I showed very low or no crossreactivity. Binding inhibition curves for flounder and seabream IGF-Is were completely identical to each other. Intra- and interassay variations ranged from coefficients of variations of 3.9% to 7.2%. Recovery tests using barfin flounder plasma varied from 82.7 to 101.6% in the added range from 20 to 160 ng/ml. This assay system was applied for measuring total plasma IGF-I in barfin flounder injected porcine growth hormone (GH). A group injected with GH at the dose of 0.05 IU/gBW showed a significant increase of total plasma IGF-I compared with those of albumin-injected (control) and initial groups. In addition, I was able to substitute time-resolved fluorometric detection in this assay system with enzymatic fluorometric detection (FIA). Binding inhibition curve for flounder IGF-I in this substituted assay system showed equal performance with that of the TR-FIA system. Correlation of IGF-I levels between TR-FIA and FIA was high (r(2)=0.957) in plasma samples from barfin flounders in various physiological conditions. Thus, the present study shows precision and efficiency of two non-radioisotopic immunoassay systems for measuring flounder IGF-I.

AT1 receptor characteristics of angiotensin analogue binding in human synovium

1. Angiotensin II (AII) reduces blood flow, modulates vascular remodelling and is a growth factor. Human inflammatory arthritides are characterized by synovial hypoperfusion, hypoxia and proliferation. We aimed to localize and characterize receptors for AII in human synovium. 2. We used quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography with [125I]-(Sar1, Ile8)AII and [125I]-AII on human synovium from patients with chondromalacia patellae, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 3. [125I]-(Sar1, Ile8)AII and [125I]-AII bound to similar sites on synovial blood vessels, lining cells and stroma. Binding to microvessels (< 100 microns diameter) was more dense than to arteriolar media, and vascular binding was more dense than that to lining cells and stroma. 4. Microvessels and arterioles which displayed angiotensin converting enzyme-like immunoreactivity also displayed specific binding of [125I]-(Sar1, Ile8)AII. 5. Specific binding of [125I]-(Sar1, Ile8)AII to each structure was completely inhibited by 10 microM dithiothreitol and was inhibited by unlabelled ligands with the rank order of potency (Sar1, Ile8)AII > AII > losartan = SKF108566 > PD123319 indicating an AT1 subclass of angiotensin receptor. 6. GTP gamma S (1 microM) abolished specific binding of [125I]-AII and abolished the high affinity component of the binding inhibition curve for AII against [125I]-(Sar1, Ile8)AII, indicating G protein coupling. 7. The distribution of [125I]-(Sar1, Ile8)AII binding sites was similar in all disease groups and no significant differences in binding densities, affinities or specificities were observed between disease groups. 8. Locally generated AII may act on synovial AT1 receptors to modulate synovial perfusion and growth. Specific AT1 receptor antagonists should help elucidate the role of angiotensins in human arthritis.

β‐Amyloid (25‐35) or Substance P Stimulates [3H]MK‐801. Binding to Rat Cortical Membranes in the Presence of Glutamate and Glycine

Micromolar concentrations of beta-amyloid (25-35) or substance P stimulated [3H]MK-801 binding in the presence of low concentrations of glutamate (1 microM) and glycine (0.02 microM). Unlike polyamines spermine and spermidine, neither beta-amyloid (25-35) nor substance P increased [3H]MK-801 binding in the presence of maximally stimulating concentrations of glutamate and glycine. 5,7-Dichloro-kynurenic acid, CGS-19755, and arcaine completely inhibited the stimulated [3H]MK-801 binding. There was an apparent decreased potency of the [3H]MK-801 binding inhibition curve for 5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid, but not CGS-19755 or arcaine, in the presence of either beta-amyloid (25-35) or substance P. The compounds do not appear to act through the strychnine-insensitive glycine binding site because neither beta-amyloid (25-35) nor substance P displaced [3H]glycine binding. Full-length beta-amyloid (1-40), up to 10 microM, did not stimulate [3H]MK-801 binding. Concentrations > 10 microM could not be tested because they formed large aggregate precipitates in the assay. The data indicate that beta-amyloid (25-35) or substance P does not stimulate [3H]MK-801 binding at either the N-methyl-D-aspartate, glycine, or polyamine binding sites. Furthermore, the nonpeptide substance P receptor (NK1) antagonist, CP-96,345, did not block beta-amyloid (25-35)- or substance P-stimulated [3H]MK-801 binding. Therefore, the effect is not due to an interaction between the substance P receptors and the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-operated ionophore. Finally, if these observations can be verified using single-channel recording techniques, they may have implications in the pattern of selective neuronal loss observed in patients with neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases.

Enzyme Immunoassay for Hen Egg White Lysozyme Used as a Food Additive

An indirect competitive enzyme immunoassay for hen egg white lysozyme (HEL) used as a food additive was investigated. Anti-HEL antibodies were obtained from B10A mouse ascites immunized by intraperitoneal injection of HEL. HEL samples to be assayed were extracted from foods with 1% gelatin in borate buffer. Goat anti-mouse IgG (H+L)-peroxidase complex was used as a second antibody, and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine was used as a substrate for the peroxidase. The working range for quantitative analysis was 1-50 ng/mL, because in this range the binding inhibition curve of anti-HEL antibodies to HEL-coated plates by HEL was linear. Even after losing the lysozyme activity by heat treatment, HEL could be detected by indirect competitive enzyme immunoassay. Recoveries of HEL by this assay were greater than 85% for Japanese noodles and Japanese traditional-style confectioneries, 53-95% for Miso and cooked beans, and 30-85% for fried fish pastes. HEL contents of 55 commercial foods were determined; HEL was detected in 19 samples in the range 25-20,000 ng/g. HEL as a food additive was detected more frequently in plant-derived foods than in foods of animal origin.

The binding of cholinesterase inhibitors tacrine (terahydroaminoacridine) and 7-methoxytacrine to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in rat brain in the presence of eserine

Cholinesterase inhibitor tacrine (1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9-aminoacridine) is known to interfere with the binding of specific ligands to muscarinic receptors with unusually steep binding inhibition curves. We investigated whether the concentration dependence of the inhibition of binding is associated with the inhibitory effect of tacrine on the activity of cholinesterases, and compared the effect of tacrine with that of 7-methoxytacrine. Tacrine was found to inhibit the specific binding of [ 3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) in rat brain cortex with IC 50 values of 11 μM both in the absence and in the presence of 100 μM eserine, which had been added to ensure complete inhibition of cholinesterases at all concentrations of tacrine; in the cerebellum, the IC 50 value was 10 μM in the absence and 14 μM in the presence of eserine; Hill slope factors ( n H) were in the range of 1.55–1.79 and were not significantly affected by the presence of eserine. 7-Methoxytacrine inhibited the binding of [ 3H]QNB with an IC 50 value of 2.3 μM in the cortex and of 2.6 μM in the cerebellum. The results indicate that the degree and the steep course of the inhibition of [ 3H]QNB binding to M 1 and M 2 muscarinic receptors by tacrine do not depend on its inhibitory effect on cholinesterases, and that 7-methoxytacrine is likely to interfere with the function of muscarinic receptors 4–5 times more strongly than tacrine.

Comparative in vitro effects of guinea pig VIP and common VIP on liver and lung membranes from guinea pig and rat and on human lymphoblastic SUP-T1 membranes

Guinea pig VIP differs from VIP of several mammals by its amino acids in positions 5, 9, 19 and 26. We tested a) its ability to occupy VIP receptors in liver and lung membranes of rat and guinea pig and in the human lymphoblastic SUP-T1 cell line and b) the ensuing adenylate cyclase stimulation. In liver and lung membranes from rat, guinea pig VIP was less potent than common VIP to occupy high and low affinity VIP receptors. In rat liver both VIP activated adenylate cyclase mostly through high affinity receptors. In rat lung, guinea pig VIP activated the enzyme mostly through high affinity receptors and was less efficient than common VIP acting through both classes of receptors. In guinea pig liver and lung membranes, binding inhibition curves were steeper than with rat preparations and adenylate cyclase appeared to be mostly activated through high affinity VIP receptors in liver and through both classes of receptors in lung. On human lymphoblastic SUP-T1 membranes both VIP were equally potent and efficient to inhibit tracer binding and activate adenylate cyclase.

Carbachol-induced down-regulation of high-affinity receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide

When dispersed acini from guinea pig pancreas are first incubated with carbachol, the subsequent binding of 125I-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is inhibited during a second incubation. This inhibitory action of carbachol on binding of 125I-VIP depends on time, temperature, and the concentration of carbachol in the first incubation and can be blocked by atropine. First incubating acini with A23187, ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), cholecystokinin octapeptide, bombesin, or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate does not alter binding of 125I-VIP. Adding EGTA to the first incubation medium abolishes the effect of carbachol on binding of 125I-VIP. In control acini or acini first incubated with carbachol, approximately half of the bound 125I-VIP can be stripped by acetic acid. 125I-VIP interacts with two distinct classes of receptors on pancreatic acini. One has a high affinity for VIP (Kd, 1 nM); the other has a low affinity for VIP (Kd, 2 microM). First incubating acini with carbachol decreases the number but not the affinity of high-affinity VIP receptors with no change in the number or affinity of low-affinity VIP receptors. Pancreatic acini possess two classes of muscarinic cholinergic receptors: one has a high affinity (Kd, 4 microM) and the other has a low affinity (Kd, 698 microM) for carbachol. The dose-response curve for carbachol-induced inhibition of binding of 125I-VIP and that for occupation of low-affinity muscarinic cholinergic receptors by carbachol are similar.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide and secretin on guinea pig pancreatic acini

We investigated the abilities of VIP and secretin to occupy receptors and to increase cellular cyclic AMP using dispersed acini from guinea pig pancreas. The dose-inhibition curve for inhibition of binding of 125I-VIP by VIP was broad with detectable inhibition at 0.1 nM VIP, half-maximal inhibition at 2 nM VIP and complete inhibition at 10 μM VIP. Secretin also inhibited binding of 125I-VIP but detectable inhibition did not occur until 0.3 μM secretin and half-maximal inhibition at 3 μM secretin. Computer analysis of binding of 125I-VIP was compatible with two VIP-preferring receptors with one class having a high affinity for VIP (K d 1.1 nM) and a low affinity for secretin (K d 5 μM) and the other class having an intermediate affinity for VIP (K d 470 nM). The dose inhibition curve for inhibition of binding of 125I-secretin by secretin was not broad. Half-maximal inhibition occurred with 7 nM secretin or with 10 μM VIP. Computer analysis was compatible with a single secretin-preferring receptor with a high affinity for secretin (K d 7 nM) and a low affinity for VIP (K d 5.9 μM). Comparison of the ability of VIP to increase cyclic AMP with or without the secretin-receptor antagonist, secretin-5–27, demonstrated only occupation of the high affinity VIP-preferring or high affinity secretin-preferring receptors increase cyclic AMP. Our results demonstrate that, in contrast to previous reports, guinea pig pancreatic acini possess 3 classes of receptors that interact with VIP and secretin. The low affinity receptor seen with 125I-VIP is not the same as the secretin-preferring receptor and does not increase cellular cyclic AMP.

Affinity cross-linking of atrial natriuretic factor to its receptor in bovine adrenal zona glomerulosa.

125I-Labeled atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) was covalently cross-linked to its binding sites in bovine adrenal zona glomerulosa membranes using the hydrophilic cross-linker bis(sulfosuccinimidyl) suberate. Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol revealed that two protein bands with apparent Mr 68,000 and 114,000 were specifically labeled. The labeling of the two bands was prevented in a dose-dependent fashion by unlabeled ANF with a significant inhibition observed at 10(-10) M. High concentrations of angiotensin II and adrenocorticotropic hormone did not compete with 125I-ANF for binding and cross-linking. The dose-response curve for inhibition of covalent cross-linking of 125I-ANF by unlabeled ANF coincided with the dose-response curve for inhibition of binding to the receptor. No radioactive bands were observed in liver membranes. Experiments in which adrenal membranes were prepared and incubated in the presence of protease inhibitors showed no difference in the labeling pattern. Electrophoresis in the absence of reductant showed that the affinity-labeled species are not derived from larger disulfide-linked components. The apparent molecular weight of the two labeled species was not affected by a 100-fold variation in cross-linker concentration, and the labeling of both species increased in parallel. Possible relationships between the two labeled species are discussed.

Relevance of the low and high affinity thyrotropin-binding sites of human thyroid membranes to the stimulation of adenylate cyclase.

TSH is known to interact on thyroid membranes with two classes of binding sites that differ in affinity and capacity. To assess the relevance of the class of TSH-binding sites characterized by low affinity and high capacity to the stimulation of adenylate cyclase, we studied the interactions of desialylated hCG (as-hCG) and its beta-subunit (as-hCG beta) with human thyroid membranes. In low ionic strength buffer, pH 7.8, where both classes of sites are operant, as-hCG fully inhibited and as-hCG beta partially inhibited [125I] bovine (b) TSH binding. Scatchard analysis of the [125I]bTSH binding inhibition curve in the presence of 1.0 X 10(-5) M as-hCG beta clearly indicated that as-hCG beta interacted only with the low affinity class of binding sites, leaving the high affinity class unaffected. In the presence of 140 mM NaCl, [125I]bTSH interacted predominantly with the high affinity class of binding sites; as-hCG fully inhibited [125I]bTSH binding to this class of sites, whereas as-hCG beta displayed essentially no interaction. Scatchard analysis of [125I]as-hCG beta binding to human thyroid membranes in low ionic strength buffer revealed a single apparent class of sites with low affinity (Kd = approximately 1.0 X 10(-6) M) and high capacity (Q = approximately 300 pmol/mg membrane protein). The bTSH preparation (Thytropar) showed a 10-fold greater binding inhibition potency at these sites than either the as-hCG or the as-hCG beta preparation, in keeping with the inference that as-hCG beta interacts with the low affinity class of TSH-binding sites. At a concentration more than 3 times that necessary to inhibit TSH binding to the low affinity class of sites, the as-hCG beta molecule neither stimulated adenylate cyclase nor inhibited the ability of TSH to do so. In contrast, the as-hCG molecule, which interacts with both classes of TSH-binding sites, fully inhibited TSH stimulation of adenylate cyclase. We conclude that the low affinity class of TSH-binding sites is not the class of sites through which TSH stimulates adenylate cyclase, and that this role is best ascribed to the high affinity class of TSH-binding sites.

Follicle‐stimulating Hormone Receptor Binding Inhibitors in Human Seminal Plasma

Human seminal plasma, freed of spermatozoa by centrifugation, inhibited binding of iodine‐125 (125I)‐hFSH to receptors in calf testes. Binding inhibition (BI) was seen in seminal plasma from intact as well as vasectomized adult males. There was a significant (60%) decrease in FSH‐BI activity following dialysis against Spectrapor #1 membrane (passing substances of molecular weight 6000 or less). Both dialyzed and undialyzed seminal plasma gave binding inhibition curves nonparallel to that of human FSH. FSH‐BI activity in seminal plasma was unaffected by repeated freezing and thawing or by extraction with ether or chloroform. It was, however, markedly decreased after adsorption of seminal plasma with charcoal and could be precipitated with 80% ethanol. There was no loss of FSH‐BI activity upon heating seminal plasma at 95 C for up to 80 minutes, but an approximate 40% loss occurred after heating for 24 hours at 95 C. GeI filtration and ultrafiltration experiments indicated FSH‐BI activity in seminal plasma to be associated with two major components, one with a molecular weight of about 19, 500, the other with a molecular weight of about 1000. The inhibition of 125I‐hFSH binding to calf testes receptors by an 80% ethanol precipitate of human seminal fluid was studied by direct least‐square nonlinear regression analysis. The data best fitted a model whereby the FSH receptor contained two hormone binding sites with identical affinity constants, one of which could be blocked by FSH‐BI with a simultaneous reduction in affinity for FSH at the second site. Using the rat as a model, high levels of FSH‐BI activity were detected in extracts of testis and other urogenital tissue, although to varying degrees. In contrast, extracts of rat heart had barely detectable levels of FSH‐BI activity, suggesting a tissue specificity for the inhibitor. From our studies we conclude that human seminal fluid contains factors capable of inhibiting binding of FHS to testis receptors. The nature and physiologic significance of these factors are as yet uncertain.

Covalent affinity labeling of the formyl peptide chemotactic receptor.

The formyl peptide chemotactic receptor present on human neutrophil membranes has been covalently affinity-labeled using three different techniques. N-Formyl-Nle-Leu-Phe-Nle-125I-Tyr-Lys was cross-linked to the receptor with dimethyl suberimidate, N-formyl-Nle-Leu-Phe-Nle-125I-Tyr-Lys-Nepsilon-4-azido-2-nitrophenyl was cross-linked by photoactivation, and N-formyl-Nle-Leu-Phe-Nle-125I-Tyr-Lys-Nepsilon-bromoacetyl reacted spontaneously with the receptor. With each method, a polypeptide which migrated as a broad band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis, with an apparent molecular weight between 55,000 and 70,000, was specifically labeled. A dose-response curve for inhibition of covalent cross-linking of the formyl peptide derivatives by unlabeled N-formyl-Nle-Leu-Phe-Nle-Tyr-Lys correlated closely with a dose-response curve for inhibition of binding of the same formyl peptide derivatives to the receptor. The nonformylated analog, Nle-Leu-Phe-Nle-Tyr-Lys, did not inhibit binding or covalent cross-linking.

3H]HARMALINE AS A SPECIFIC LIGAND OF MAO A—I. PROPERTIES OF THE ACTIVE SITE OF MAO A FROM RAT AND BOVINE BRAINS

AbstractA high‐affinity (Kd= 5.9 nM) specific binding site for [3H]harmaline was detected in membranes from rat and bovine brains. Studies of the regional and subcellular distributions of this binding indicated its close association with monoamine oxidase type A activity (MAO A) measured with [3H]serotonin ([3H]5‐HT) as the substrate. Maximal binding capacity and MAO A activity were found in mitochondrial enriched fractions. Mitochondria of synaptosomal or extra‐synaptosomal origin exhibited very similar properties with respect to [3H]harmaline binding characteristics and MAO A activity.Among psychoactive drugs, only monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO I) prevented the specific binding of [3H]harmaline. Logit‐log inhibition curves of binding by MAO I gave only one slope which was not significantly different from 1.0, suggesting the existence of only 1 category of specific sites for [3H]harmaline in the membrane preparations from rat and bovine brains. Consistent with the preferential inhibition of MAO A by harmaline, other MAO I of this class, i.e. clorgyline and Lilly 51641, were 102‐2 × 103 times more efficient than deprenyl and pargyline, two inhibitors of MAO type B, in displacing [3H]harmaline from its specific binding site. Ki and IC50 values for the inhibition of [3H]harmaline binding by MAO I and MAO substrates (tryptamine, 5‐HT, norepinephrine) were almost identical with those characterizing their action on MAO A activity with [3H]5‐HT as the substrate. In conclusion, the specific binding site for [3H]harmaline exhibited all the expected properties of the active site of MAO A. Like the technique of precipitation with a specific antibody, binding of [3H]harmaline should be of great help for studying the structural characteristics of the active site of MAO A and determining the number of MAO molecules in tissues under various physiological conditions.

Study of Follitropin Receptors in Testis Using a Homologous System

The properties of follitropin receptors in immature porcine testis were determined using highly purified porcine follitropin. 1. The characteristics of follitropin binding to a subcellular fraction rich in plasma membranes were studied using a 125I-labelled follitropin with high specific activity (75-100 Ci/g) and high binding activity. The binding is dependent on time, temperature and pH. It is specific to follitropin as demonstrated by the very low binding activity of the follitropin alpha and beta subunits and of the other glycoprotein hormones. Scatchard analysis of binding data indicated an equilibrium association constant of 2 x 10(10) M-1 and a concentration of high affinity binding sites of 500 fmol/mg membrane proteins. 2. A sensitive radio-ligand receptor assay was developed. Fifty percent inhibition of binding was obtained with as little as 2 ng of porcine follitropin. Ovine and bovine follitropins and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin gave binding inhibition curves parallel to that given by porcine follitropin. With equine and human follitropin, significantly different slopes were recorded. 3. Kinetics of dissociation of labelled follitropin from its testis receptors showed the presence of at least two compartments with fast and slow dissociation rate constants. The ratio between the sizes of the slow and fast compartments appeared dependent upon preincubation time. 4. A temporal correlation was observed between binding of follitropin to testis receptors and activation of membrane bound adenylate cyclase.

Effects of autoantibodies to the insulin receptor on isolated adipocytes. Studies of insulin binding and insulin action.

Autoantibodies to the insulin receptor have been detected in the sera of several patients with the Type B syndrome of insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans. In this study we have used three of these sera (B-1, B-2, and B-3) as probes of the insulin receptor in isolated rat adipocytes. Preincubation of adipocytes with each of the three sera resulted in an inhibition of subsequent [(125)I]insulin binding. 50% inhibition of binding occurred with serum dilutions of 1:5 to 1:7,500. As in our previous studies with other tissues, Scatchard analysis of the insulin-binding data was curvilinear consistent with negative cooperativity. Computer analysis suggested that in each case the inhibition of binding was due to a decrease in receptor affinity rather than a change in available receptor number. In addition to the effects on insulin binding, adipocytes pretreated with antireceptor sera also showed alterations in biological responses. All three sera produced some stimulation of basal glucose oxidation. With serum B-3, maximal stimulation of glucose oxidation occurred at a serum concentration that inhibited binding by only 10-15%, whereas with serum B-2 the dilution curves for inhibition of binding and stimulation of glucose oxidation were superimposable. Serum B-1 behaved as a partial agonist; that is, it inhibited binding more effectively than it stimulated glucose oxidation. Cells pretreated with this serum in a concentration which inhibited binding by 80% also showed a five-fold shift to the right in the dose response of insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation, whereas spermine-stimulated glucose oxidation was unaffected. Serum B-2, which contained the highest titer of antireceptor antibodies, also stimulated 2-deoxy-glucose transport, as well as glucose incorporation into lipid and glycogen. Both the ability of the serum to inhibit binding and stimulate glucose utilization were enriched in purified immunoglobulin fractions and retained in the F(ab')(2) fragment of the IgG. In addition, the bioactivity was blocked by antihuman IgG but not by anti-insulin antibodies. Enzymatic digestion of adipocytes with trypsin resulted in a complete loss of insulin-stimulated bioactivity of serum B-3, but had only minor effects on the glucose oxidation produced by serum B-1 or B-2.These data suggest that the antibodies present in these three sera bind to different determinants on the insulin receptor. Thus, these antibodies may be useful probes of receptor structure and function.