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High-affinity substance P binding sites in rat esophagus plexus submucosus
The American Journal of Physiology
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Substance P receptors are concentrated in the rat esophagus submucosa, suggesting Substance P acts as a neurotransmitter. This study identifies high-affinity binding sites crucial for esophageal function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Substance P is a neuropeptide implicated in various physiological processes.
- Its role in esophageal function, particularly neurotransmission, requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of Substance P receptors in the rat esophagus.
- To determine the binding characteristics of these receptors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized autoradiography with 125I-Bolton-Hunter substance P as a radioligand.
- Quantified receptor binding sites (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) in esophageal tissue.
Main Results:
- Identified clusters of high-affinity Substance P binding sites in the esophageal submucosa.
- Binding site density (Bmax) was 4.2 +/- 0.28 fmol/mg protein, with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.1 +/- 0.01 x 10(9) M.
- Receptor distribution correlated with submucous neurons.
Conclusions:
- Substance P receptors are localized to submucous neurons in the rat esophagus.
- These findings support the hypothesis that Substance P functions as a neurotransmitter in the rat esophagus.