Localization of beta-adrenoceptors in the rabbit ear by light microscopic autoradiography

The beta-adrenoceptor antagonist [125I]cyanopindolol (CYP) was used to localize beta-adrenoceptors in sections of rabbit ear. Biochemical studies demonstrated that the binding was stereoselective, and that the beta-adrenoceptors are predominantly of the beta 2-subtype. Autoradiographic studies using 3H-Ultrofilm or nuclear emulsion coated coverslips showed high concentrations of beta 2-adrenoceptors present in the central ear artery, hyaline cartilage, nerve trunks, epithelium and sebaceous glands.