Characterization of glomerular thromboxane receptor sites in the rat

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize thromboxane (Tx) receptor sites in renal glomeruli. Binding studies were performed on freshly isolated glomeruli using the stable TxA2 receptor antagonist, [3H]SQ 29548. Specific binding was saturable, reversible, and varied with glomerular protein. Scatchard plots revealed a single class of high-affinity receptor sites (Kd = 14.3 +/- 2.4 nM, Bmax = 361 +/- 22 fmol/mg; n = 5). Specific binding was inhibited by Tx agonists (U-46619 and U-44069) and antagonist (SQ 29548) and was highly specific for Tx, since prostaglandin (PG)E2 and PGF2 alpha were 1,000-fold less potent in inhibiting binding. In vivo, U-46619 (1.75 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) was without effect on mean arterial pressure, but reduced renal blood flow by 71% (P less than 0.01) and glomerular filtration rate by 67% (P less than 0.01) and increased filtration fraction by 24% (P less than 0.05). SQ 29548 (10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) completely blocked the renal effects of U-46619. These studies demonstrate the presence of specific receptor sites for Tx on renal glomeruli that are linked to modulation of renal hemodynamics.