Defect in the adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase system during development of catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy.

We have investigated alterations in adrenergic receptors and adenylate cyclase activity in cardiac membranes from rats injected with 40 mg/kg intraperitoneal isoproterenol. Reduction in the number of beta-adrenergic and alpha-adrenergic receptors, as assessed by changes in specific binding of 3H-dihydroalprenolol (DHA) and 3H-dihydroergocryptine (DHE), was observed only at 9 and 24 hours after isoproterenol injection, respectively. On the other hand, epinephrine-stimulated, NaF-stimulated, and Gpp (NH)p-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was decreased as early as 3 hours after isoproterenol treatment without changes in the basal adenylate cyclase activity. These results demonstrate a defect in the adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase system during the development of catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy and may partly explain the attenuated inotropic adrenergic response of the heart under stressful situations.