Autoradiographic localization of beta-adrenergic receptors in rabbit eye.

Using an in vitro autoradiography, beta-adrenergic receptors were localized in the rabbit eye. Autoradiograms were generated by apposition of isotope-sensitive film to slide-mounted eye sections, labelled with 125IIodocyanopindolol. A high density of silver grains was obtained in conjunctival, corneal and ciliary process epithelium. Binding sites were also present in corneal endothelium, iris epithelium, lens epithelium, choroid and extraocular muscles. In some areas, retina was also labelled. Studies with beta-adrenergic compounds showed that the majority of beta-adrenergic receptors, detectable by autoradiography, were of the beta2 type in the rabbit eye.