Growth hormone binding sites in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) liver

125I-labeled bovine and tilapia growth hormones were used to assess the presence of growth hormone receptors in membranes prepared from tissues of the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus. The highest level of specific binding was detected in liver membranes from animals of both sexes and the binding was protein-dependent. Tilapia growth hormone, bovine growth hormone, and ovine prolactin, but not tilapia prolactin, potently inhibited the hepatic binding of 125I-labeled bovine growth hormone. Scatchard analysis of the 125I-labeled bovine growth hormone binding data revealed a Bmax (maximum binding) value of 180 fmol/mg protein and a Kd (dissociation constant) value of 13 nM. Tilapia growth hormone potently inhibited hepatic binding of 125I-labeled tilapia growth hormone. Scatchard analysis revealed a single class of binding sites with Bmax and Kd values of 390 fmol/mg protein and 2.5 nM, respectively. Bovine growth hormone and ovine prolactin were less potent while tilapia prolactin was inactive in inhibiting hepatic 125I-labeled tilapia growth hormone binding.