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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Detection of Ligand-activated G Protein-coupled Receptor Internalization by Confocal Microscopy
Published on: April 9, 2017
Characterization of GnRH receptors in bovine pituitary membranes
Abstract:
Bovine pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors were characterized and identified utilizing a superactive GnRH analog, Buserelin [( D-Ser(t-Bu)6, des-Gly10-ethylamide]-GnRH), and a photoreactive GnRH analog, [azidobenzoyl-D- Lys6 ]-GnRH. Both analogs bind with high affinity to a single class of receptors, with apparent IC50 values of 0.5 nM and 1 nM, respectively. The binding of 125I-labeled Buserelin to pituitary membranes was inhibited, in a dose-responsive manner, by both trypsin and chymotrypsin, with the former being less effective. Neuraminidase at a concentration up to 100 micrograms/ml did not affect the binding. Lectins, such as concanavalin A and wheat-germ agglutinin, at a concentration range of 20-200 micrograms/ml had no effect on the binding, whereas soybean agglutinin at high concentrations (150 and 200 micrograms/ml) slightly inhibited the specific binding. Photoaffinity labeling of the bovine pituitary GnRH receptors resulted in the identification of two specific bands with apparent molecular weights of 60 K and 30 K daltons. The latter probably represents very low affinity binding sites. Both specific bands were sensitive to trypsin and chymotrypsin treatment but were not affected by neuraminidase treatment. These results suggest a slight difference between rat and bovine pituitary GnRH receptors.
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