Characterization and developmental evolution of a high-affinity binding site for calcitonin gene-related peptide on chick skeletal muscle membrane.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide is a putative neurotransmitter of central and peripheral nervous systems which coexists with acetylcholine in motor nerve terminals and exerts multiple effects on skeletal muscle, suggesting a trophic role for this neuropeptide. Using radiolabeled calcitonin gene-related peptide as a probe in a specific binding assay, we have characterized calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites on chick skeletal muscle membranes. Binding is time-dependent, saturable and reversible. Scatchard analyses revealed two classes of sites: high-affinity sites with a KD value of 62 pM, and low-affinity sites with a KD value of 3.3 nM. The maximal number of sites is, respectively, 22 and 155 fmol/mg protein for high- and low-affinity binding sites. Specific binding was not affected by the presence, in excess, of other neuropeptides such as salmon calcitonin or somatostatin or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Affinity of the binding site for calcitonin gene-related peptide was decreased in the presence of 5'-guanylyl-imidodiphosphate, suggesting a physiological coupling of calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor to a GTP binding protein. In a developmental study of chick muscle, we found the highest activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites in 11-14 day embryos, following a pattern of evolution similar to that of acetylcholine receptors (constant ratio of 12 acetylcholine receptors per calcitonin gene-related peptide binding site). However, both receptors appear differentially regulated: while the number of acetylcholine receptors increases 5-16-fold after denervation, calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites slightly diminish in number. These results are discussed in terms of the physiological significance of calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites on chick skeletal muscle membrane.