Binding of [3H]des-Arg9-BK to rabbit anterior mesenteric vein

Binding studies of [3H]des-Arg9-BK have been performed on pieces of rabbit anterior mesenteric veins. Kinetic studies have permitted us to evaluate an affinity constant of 1.04 X 10(-7) M, which is not so different from the apparent affinity constant determined by bioassay (1.6 X 10(-7) M). Furthermore, inhibition of the binding of [3H]des-Arg9-BK with various kinins results in an order of potency of kinins very similar to that observed in the bioassay. Taken together, these results suggest that we are dealing with binding sites which might be the same as those subserving the biological action of des-Arg9-BK (pharmacological receptors). The preincubation of tissues in Krebs' solution brings about an increase of the specific binding from 0.06 pmol/mg of wet weight at time 0 to 0.75 pmol after 24 h; cycloheximide inhibits this increase for at least 6 h. Veins taken from animals treated with LPS, which have shown an increase in sensitivity compared with veins extracted from untreated animals, have a higher number of specific binding sites for [3H]des-Arg9-BK. The results support the hypothesis that the increased response of tissues to des-Arg9-BK is due to the de novo synthesis of receptors for kinins in some experimental and pathological conditions.