Changes in beta adrenergic receptors in submaxillary glands of chronically reserpine- or isoproterenol-treated rats.

Submaxillary glands of rats, chronically treated with isoproterenol or reserpine undergo morphological and functional alterations. These changes have been described to resemble those seen in human cystic fibrosis. Since it has been proposed that the beta adrenergic-mediated response is altered in exocrine glands of cystic fibrosis patients, we have examined whether the drug-induced alterations in rat salivary glands were accompanied by changes in the numbers and affinities of beta adrenergic receptor sites. Beta receptor characteristics were determined by means of direct binding studies with the beta adrenergic antagonist [3H]dihydroalprenolol. Compared to controls, specific binding capacities of [3H]dihydroalprenolol per unit of protein increased by 110 +/- 14% after reserpine treatment and decreased by 34 +/- 11% after isoproterenol administration (P less than .001). The difference in the number of receptor sites remained statistically significant whether expressed per gram of fresh weight or per unit of the membrane marker 5'-nucleotidase activity. Dissociation constants of the binding were not significantly different between the treatment groups. The observed changes in the number of beta receptors showed an inverse relationship to the drug-induced presumed changes of catecholamine concentrations at the receptor sites. This suggests the existence of a feedback system which maintains the balance within the autonomous nervous system. We speculate that in cystic fibrosis this adaptive system is genetically abnormal.