Two populations of AChR in rat myotubes have different degradation rates and responses to cAMP.
Acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) of rat muscle cells grown in culture for 4 days were labeled with 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin and their degradation rate measured. Two AChR populations, a rapidly degrading one (Rr,t1/2 approximately 1 day) and a slowly degrading one (Rs, t1/2 approximately 4 days) were identified at a ratio of approximately 9 to 1. The degradation rate of the Rs was slowed to a t1/2 of approximately 10 days by cAMP while that of the Rr remained unchanged. These data provide further evidence that two AChR populations with different degradation rates can exist in noninnervated muscle and that they can be further distinguished by their differing response to cAMP. We suggest that the two AChR populations seen in myotubes may be physiologically equivalent to the Rs and Rr components seen at the neuromuscular junction of denervated adult muscle and could thus provide a good model for characterizing the Rr and Rs AChRs.
Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-2702.
J P
JP
O'Malley
L L
LL
Rubin
M M
MM
Salpeter
D000818:Animals; D003994:Bucladesine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005576:Colforsin / Q000494:pharmacology; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009132:Muscles / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000378:metabolism*
D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic; D005576:Colforsin; D003994:Bucladesine