Solubilization, separation, and partial characterization of histamine H1 and H2 receptors from calf thymocyte membranes.

Histamine membrane receptors are defined as either H1 (blocked by diphenhydramine-like antagonists) or H2 (blocked by cimetidine-like agents). We now report the solubilization, separation, and partial characterization of specific H1 and H2 membrane receptors from calf thymocytes. Membrane fragments were incubated with [3H]histamine either alone or with unlabeled histamine, diphenhydramine, or cimetidine. Maximal specific binding occurred with incubation at 37 degrees C for 2 h at a concentration of 5 x 10(-6) M [3H]histamine. Labeled receptors were solubilized from membranes with 0.3 M KCl and 1% Nonidet 40. Chromatography of the solubilized labeled receptors on ion exchange columns revealed two classes of receptor. One class bound to DEAE-cellulose and eluted as a sharp peak at 0.15 M NaCl/Pi. The other bound to phosphocellulose and eluted as a sharp peak at 0.55 M NaCl/Pi. Initial incubation of the membranes in the presence of the H1 receptor antagonist diphenhydramine virtually abolished the DEAE-cellulose peak, while incubation with cimetidine, the H2 receptor antagonist, blocked the phosphocellulose peak. We conclude that H1 and H2 histamine receptors are physically separable and can be defined by their ability to bind to either DEAE-cellulose or phosphocellulose.