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Cultured neurofibromatosis tumor fibroblasts lack beta-adrenergic receptors
T Kaila1, R Penttinen, J Peltonen
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Turku, Finland.
Abstract:
Beta-adrenergic receptors on cultured neurofibromatosis (NF) skin and tumor fibroblasts were characterized by a radioligand binding assay using (-)-125I-iodocyanopindolol (ICYP), a potent beta-antagonist. NF tumor fibroblasts had a very low density of beta-adrenergic receptors (0-450 binding sites/cell) when compared to fibroblasts obtained from a healthy skin area of NF patients or from healthy controls (average 1,800 binding sites/cell). The apparently low binding of ICYP to the NF tumor fibroblasts can be an expression of an alteration in the structure or function of the plasma membrane.
Insights
Neurofibromatosis (NF) tumor cells show significantly fewer beta-adrenergic receptors than normal cells. This suggests potential alterations in the NF tumor cell membrane structure or function.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder characterized by tumor formation.
- Beta-adrenergic receptors play roles in various cellular functions.
- Understanding receptor expression in NF is crucial for potential therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify beta-adrenergic receptor density on cultured neurofibromatosis (NF) skin and tumor fibroblasts.
- To compare receptor levels between NF tumor cells, NF skin cells, and healthy control cells.
Main Methods:
- Radioligand binding assays were performed using (-)-125I-iodocyanopindolol (ICYP), a beta-adrenergic antagonist.
- Fibroblast cultures were derived from NF skin, NF tumors, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- NF tumor fibroblasts exhibited a markedly reduced density of beta-adrenergic receptors (0-450 sites/cell).
- In contrast, fibroblasts from healthy NF skin and healthy controls showed significantly higher receptor densities (average 1,800 sites/cell).
Conclusions:
- NF tumor fibroblasts display a substantial downregulation of beta-adrenergic receptors.
- This reduction may indicate alterations in the plasma membrane's structure or function in NF tumor cells.