title: Cytoskeletal constraint of the beta-adrenergic receptor in frog erythrocyte membranes.
abstract: A fluorescence receptor binding assay, based upon the high-affinity beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol, is utilized to probe the microenvironment of the antagonist-receptor complex in the frog (Rana catesbeiana) erythrocyte membrane. The technique of steady-state fluorescence depolarization is applied to the propranolol-receptor complex, allowing quantitation of the rotational relaxation time of the complex. It is found that the complex is dynamically constrained at 20 degrees C. However, in the temperature range 6-10 degrees C a sharp reversible release of constraint is observed. It is further demonstrated that the addition of drugs that are known to specifically disrupt the cytoskeleton (colchicine, vincristine, and vinblastine) causes a similar but irreversible release of constraint at 20 degrees C. Cytochalasin B has a much smaller influence on the rotational mobility of the propranolol-receptor complex than do the other drugs that disrupt the cytoskeleton. Amphotericin B is without effect on the rotational constraint of the complex. Binding of the antagonist [3H]dihydroalprenolol is not influenced by colchicine. A model is proposed which postulates that cytoskeletal elements are linked to the antagonist-receptor complex. Antagonist binding does not result in cytoskeletal release, whereas agonist binding is postulated to lead to dissociation of the agonist-receptor complex from the cytoskeleton, thereby activating adenylate cyclase.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism*; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005454:Fluorescence Polarization; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000378:metabolism; D011892:Rana catesbeiana; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic / Q000378:metabolism*; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D011433:Propranolol