Identification of two calcium channel receptor sites for [3H]nitrendipine in mammalian cardiac and smooth muscle membrane (original) (raw)

Various Ca-channel blockers differ in cardiovascular action despite common effects at the Ca channel. Many investigators have reported only a single high-affinity receptor for binding of [3H]nitrendipine, a dihydropyridine Ca-channel blocker. Its equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) does not match the concentration of nitrendipine needed for a physiological effect on the mammalian cardiac Ca channel. The purpose of these studies was to clarify the existing discrepancy between pharmacological properties of nitrendipine receptors and the physiological effects of the dihydropyridine blockers. Of particular importance in this regard was to provide a pharmacological correlate for electrophysiological studies demonstrating multiple voltage-dependent conformational states of the Ca channel, which show differing affinities for the dihydropyridine Ca-channel blockers. By use of an improved ligand binding assay, our studies demonstrate both "high-affinity" and "low-affinity&q...