Cloning, functional expression and tissue distribution of rabbit alpha 1d-adrenoceptor

We have cloned a cDNA encoding rabbit alpha 1d-adrenoceptor from the rabbit liver cDNA library. The deduced amino-acid sequence of this clone encodes a protein of 576 amino acids that shows strong sequence homology to previously cloned human, rat and mouse alpha 1d-adrenoceptors. The pharmacological radioligand binding properties of this clone expressed in COS-7 cells were similar to those of rat alpha 1d-adrenoceptors. Competitive RT/PCR assays revealed wide tissue distribution of the alpha 1d-adrenoceptor mRNA in rabbit, especially abundant in vas deferens, aorta, prostate and cerebral cortex.