Identification of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in human fat cell membranes by [3H]chlonidine binding

3H-clonidine bound to membrane sites of human fat cells, which have the characteristics of alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Specific binding was rapid, reversible and saturable. [3H]Clonidine binding was of high affinity with a KD of 3.9 nM and with a maximal occupancy of 348 fmol/mg protein. The correlation between alpha-adrenergic agonist or antagonist affinities for the membrane [3H]clonidine binding site with their physiological potencies demonstrates the usefulness of the human fat cell as a model for investigating postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor properties and regulation.