[125I]iodomelatonin-binding sites in the bursa of Fabricius of birds: binding characteristics, subcellular distribution, diurnal variations and age studies.
The melatonin-binding sites in membrane preparations of the bursa of Fabricius of birds were studied using [125I]iodomelatonin as a radioligand. The binding sites were stable, saturable, reversible and of high affinity. Scatchard analysis of specific binding revealed equilibrium binding constants (Kd) of (means +/- S.E.M.) 43.1 +/- 5.9, 73.3 +/- 7.6 and 35.3 +/- 4.8 pmol/l respectively at the mid-point of the light period (mid-light) in chickens, pigeons and quail, with a total number of binding sites (Bmax) of 1.23 +/- 0.15, 1.33 +/- 0.18 and 0.94 +/- 0.07 fmol/mg protein. The diurnal variation in [125I]iodomelatonin binding showed that the Bmax was 45, 115 and 70% higher at mid-light than at mid-dark in the bursae of chickens, pigeons and quail respectively. The Kd value determined from kinetic analysis was 49.0 +/- 6.4 pmol/l at mid-light in the chicken bursa. The [125I]iodomelatonin-binding sites of chicken bursal membranes had the following order of pharmacological affinities: 2-iodomelatonin > melatonin > 6-chloromelatonin > 6-hydroxymelatonin > N-acetyl-serotonin > 5-hydroxytryptamine, tryptamine, 5-methoxytryptophol, 1-acetylindole-3-carboxaldehyde, 3-acetylindole, L-tryptophan, 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophan suggesting that the [125I]iodomelatonin-binding sites were highly specific for melatonin. The subcellular distribution of binding sites in the chicken bursa was in the following descending order: nuclear > mitochondrial > microsomal > cytosolic fraction. There was an age-related decrease in [125I]iodomelatonin-binding in chicken bursal membranes, with higher densities in the neonate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Department of Physiology, University of Hong Kong.
Z M
ZM
Liu
S F
SF
Pang
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D001717:Birds / Q000378:metabolism*; D002060:Bursa of Fabricius / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002645:Chickens / Q000378:metabolism; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D010856:Columbidae / Q000378:metabolism; D003370:Coturnix / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000502:physiology
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; C044556:2-iodomelatonin; D008550:Melatonin