Alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in guinea-pig nasal mucosa.

The alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in guinea-pig nasal mucosa were measured for the first time by direct binding techniques using [3H]prazosin, [3H]dihydroalprenolol ([3H]DHA) and [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB). The maximum binding capacities of [3H]prazosin, [3H]DHA and [3H]QNB in guinea-pig nasal mucosa were 20.1, 42.3, 159 fmol/mg protein, respectively. The dissociation constants of [3H]prazosin, [3H]DHA and [3H]QNB in guinea-pig nasal mucosa were 0.37, 0.77 and 1.5 nM, respectively. After the removal of the superior cervical ganglion in the guinea-pig, the number of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors was increased in the nasal mucosa while the number of beta-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors remained unchanged. Thus, alpha 1-adrenergic receptors are probably postsynaptic receptors in the target cells of sympathetic nerves, while beta receptors relate to the circulating catecholamines.