High-affinity binding sites (apparent KD 2.87 nM) for [3H]desmethylimipramine ([3H]DMI), have been demonstrated and characterized in membrane preparations of bovine adrenal medulla. The binding of [3H]DMI improved upon pretreatment of the membrane with KCl and was saturable, sodium dependent, and potently inhibited by nisoxetine and imipramine. [3H]DMI binding was also inhibited by various phencyclidine (PCP)- and (or) σ-receptor ligands, with the following order of potency: haloperidol > rimcazole > (−)-butaclamol > dextromethorphan > MK-801 > (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine((+)-3-PPP) > PCP > N-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl-3,4-piperidine (TCP) > (+)-SKF-10047 > (−)-SKF-10047. The inhibition produced by σ ligands was not attributed to stimulation of either σ1- or σ2-receptors, owing to inactivity of the selective σ-receptor ligands (+)-pentazocine and 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG). The inhibition of [3H]DMI binding by σ- and PCP-receptor ligands was not attributed to PCP1- or PCP2-receptor stimulation, owing to the decreased potency (100-fold) of these ligands in [3H]DMI assays compared with the affinity for brain PCP1 sites, and the ineffectiveness of the PCP2-ligand N-(1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl)piperidine (BTCP). Scatchard analysis of the inhibition by the σ-ligands haloperidol and (+)-3-PPP, as well as the PCP1 receptor ligand MK-801, demonstrated noncompetitive interaction with the site bound by [3H]DMI. These studies indicate that bovine adrenomedullary membranes possess a specific receptor for the noradrenaline uptake inhibitor [3H]DMI, which is sensitive to allosteric modulation produced by PCP and σ-ligands.Key words: desmethylimipramine, σ-receptor, phencyclidine, noradrenaline uptake, adrenal medulla.
3H-MK-801 binding sites remained unchanged with reduced glycine receptors in aged brain.
