Enterocyte alpha 2-adrenergic receptors: yohimbine and p-aminoclonidine binding relative to ion transport.

We previously reported that alpha 2-adrenergic agonists enhance absorption and inhibit secretion of electrolytes in small intestine. The present study was undertaken to characterize and localize the relevant receptors. Plasma membranes derived from isolated rabbit ileal epithelial cells were incubated with either [3H]yohimbine (Yo), an alpha 2-antagonist, or p-[3H]aminoclonidine (PAC), an alpha 2-agonist. Scatchard analysis of [3H]Yo binding suggests a single receptor. Competitive displacement of Yo from this receptor by other ligands had a potency order characteristic for alpha 2-receptors in other tissue systems. A Scatchard plot of [3H]PAC binding was curvilinear and best fit by assuming two independent site. Competitive displacement of [3H]PAC by PAC in the presence of 140 mM Na+ or 0.1 mM GTP increased the IC50 for PAC binding from 10 nM to 100 and 105 nM, respectively, and the Hill coefficient from 0.7 to 1.2 and 1.0, respectively. The ED50 for PAC effect on short-circuit current (200 nM) does not differ significantly from these values. We conclude that alpha 2-receptors are present on ileal enterocytes and that these receptors mediate enterocyte fluid and electrolyte transport function.