Charge heterogeneity of the AT1 angiotensin II receptor subtype in the rat lung

In order to obtain more information on the molecular structure of the angiotensin II (Ang II) binding sites from whole rat lung membranes these were characterized by isoelectric focusing (IEF) and SDS-PAGE. Whereas a single population of Ang II receptor sites was identified (Kd = 2.2 +/- 0.3 nmol/l; Bmax = 203.9 +/- 15.8 fmol/mg protein) by Scatchard analysis, using IEF three Ang II binding isoforms were observed; a major band which migrated to isoelectric point (pI) 6.7, and two minor bands with pI values of 6.5 and 6.3. Specific binding of 125I-Ang II to rat lung membrane preparations was sensitive to Losartan, a non-peptide AT1 receptor subtype antagonist, but was unaffected by the AT2 receptor subtype antagonist CGP42112A. Immunoblotting analyses on SDS gels, using a monoclonal antibody specific to the AT1 receptor, showed two immunoreactive protein species of 45 and 48 kDa. Enzymic deglycosylation using recombinant N-glycanase did not alter the molecular weight patterns of the AT1 receptor subtype. The results of the present study demonstrated that the Ang II receptor population in the whole rat lung consists solely of the AT1 receptor subtype and that the AT2 receptor subtype is absent. In addition, the data showed the existence of charge heterogeneity of the AT1 receptor subtype, and suggest that glycosylation probably does not contribute to its charge heterogeneity.