Leukotriene E4 binds specifically to LTD4 receptors in guinea pig lung membranes

High affinity, stereoselective binding sites for [3H]leukotriene E4 ([3H]LTE4) have been identified and characterized in guinea pig lung membranes. [3H]LTE4 bound to these membranes with a pharmacological specificity identical to that previously observed for the [3H]LTD4 receptor in guinea pig lung. [3H]LTE4 specific binding was selectively inhibited by Na+, enhanced by Ca2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+ and modulated by guanine nucleotides. Scatchard analysis of saturation binding data showed a single class of high affinity and saturable binding sites, with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.4 +/- 0.2 nM and a density (Bmax) of 430 +/- 50 fmol/mg membrane protein, similar to values observed for the LTD4 receptor in guinea pig lung. The rank order potency of agonist binding to the [3H]LTE4 binding sites was LTD4 greater than LTE4 much greater than LTC4. These results indicate that [3H]LTE4 binds to [3H]LTD4 receptors and suggests that induction of smooth muscle contraction by LTD4 and LTE4 may be mediated by identical mechanisms and receptors in the guinea pig lung.