Elevated level of beta-adrenoceptors in intact hepatocytes from partially hepatectomized rats

The binding characteristics of 125I-iodocyanopindolol (125I-ICYP) and 3H-CGP-12177 to intact hepatocytes and a particulate fraction prepared from hepatocytes from sham-operated and partially hepatectomized rats were compared. In the particulate fraction, the beta-adrenoceptor number increased 4-10-fold after partial hepatectomy. 125I-ICYP binding to intact cells demonstrated a high fraction of non-specific binding, although phentolamine was included in the assay to reduce non-specific binding. 3H-CGP-12177 binding to intact cells also demonstrated a higher fraction of non-specific binding than in most cell types. In intact cells, the beta-adrenoceptor number increased 5-6-fold after partial hepatectomy. The number of receptors was comparable in intact cells and the broken cell preparation, indicating that receptors are conserved during the preparation of the particulate fraction.