Renal alpha-1-adrenoreceptors in rats with obstructive jaundice

Alpha 1-Adrenoreceptor affinity constants (KD) and receptor numbers (Bmax) were determined in the kidneys of 3-day-old bile-duct-ligated (BDL) jaundiced rats using 3H-prazosin. The results were compared to 3-day-old pair-fed and nonpair-fed sham-operated rats as well as nonoperated rats as controls. Abdominal surgery (sham and BDL) resulted in a tendency towards a decrease in KD in all three groups of rats compared to nonoperated controls. The Bmax was also increased in the sham-operated groups compared to the nonoperated controls. In contrast, the tendency for a rise in the Bmax in the BDL group was significantly smaller than the rise seen in the two sham-operated groups. In summary, obstructive jaundice suppresses the normal renal alpha 1-adrenoreceptor response to abdominal surgery in the rat.