beta-Adrenoceptor subtypes in sections of rat and guinea-pig kidney

The present autoradiographical study examines the distribution of the two beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in sections of rat and guinea-pig kidney. The radioligand [125Iodo]-(--)-cyanopindolol was used for the labelling of beta-adrenoceptors and the selective beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents ICI 89-406 (beta 1-antagonist) and ICI 118-551 (beta 2-antagonist) were utilized to differentiate both subclasses unequivocally. beta-Adrenoceptors in rat kidney were found to be almost exclusively beta 1. They were located mainly on glomeruli and to a lesser extent on the straight part of the distal tubules and on the cortical portion of the collecting ducts. Some beta 2-adrenoceptors were localized around the corticomedullary junction. Grain localization in the auto-radiograms was absent in the inner medulla and papilla. Glomeruli and distal tubules of the guinea-pig kidney also possess only beta 1-adrenoceptors, but, in contrast to the rat, extremely high concentrations of beta 2-adrenoceptors were associated with the straight part of the proximal tubules in the cortex and possibly with the cortical portion of the collecting duct. Labelling was not detected on the proximal convoluted tubule in either species.