Nerve growth factor receptor binding. Influence of enzymes, ions, and protein reagents

Nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor binding in membrane fractions of rabbit superior cervical ganglia has been measured after treatment with a variety of enzymes, protein-modifying reagents, and ions. Receptor binding is degraded by low concentrations of trypsin but is much less sensitive to alpha-chymotrypsin. Low concentrations of phospholipase A from Vipera russelli decrease NGF receptor binding by lowering the number of binding sites, while phospholipase A preparations from Crotalus terrificus terrificus and bee venom do not affect binding. Phospholipase C and D, neuraminidase, DNase, and RNase have minimal effects on receptor binding. NGF receptor binding appears to be absolutely dependent upon calcium ion. Removal of calcium from the incubation medium greatly reduces binding as does treatment with EDTA. Maximal receptor binding occurs at 5 mM calcium. Magnesium and sodium are unable to substitute for calcium. Receptor binding is greatly reduced by treating membranes with 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide, 2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide, diazonium tetrazole, and tetranitromethane. NGF receptor sites can be protected from 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide by incubation with NGF.