The alpha 1-adrenoceptor is inactivated by alterations in membrane phospholipids.

The influence of the membrane environment on the alpha 1-adrenoceptor has been investigated by examining the effect of phospholipase digestion on the binding of [3H]prazosin to aortic and hepatic membranes. Membrane digestion by phospholipase A2 and phospholipase C was found to markedly reduce prazosin binding to the alpha 1-adrenoceptor whereas phospholipase D had comparatively little effect. In addition, there were differences between membrane preparations since the aortic alpha 1-adrenoceptor was less sensitive to phospholipase A2 and phospholipase C than the hepatic receptor. The results support a major role for hydrophobic groups and the negatively charged, hydrophilic phosphate moiety of phospholipids in the interaction between prazosin and the alpha 1-adrenoceptor.