The identification of alpha-adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue by [3H]dihydroergocryptine binding

The 3H-labelled alpha-adrenergic antagonist dihydroergocryptine has been found to bind specifically to hamster white adipocyte membranes. Binding is rapid and is inhibited by alpha but not beta antagonists. In addition, adrenergic agonists compete for this binding site in order of affinities equal to their activity as alpha-adrenergic agonists. The (-) stereoisomer of adrenaline is 10 times more potent than the (+) stereoisomer in inhibiting binding.