AFFINITY OF R-396, AN NK-2 TACHYKININ RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST, FOR NK-2 RECEPTORS IN PREPARATIONS FROM DIFFERENT SPECIES

We have assessed the affinity of R 396 (Ac. Leu-Asp-Gln-Trp-Phe-Gly NH2) in a number of NK-2 tachykinin receptor bearing-tissues from several species. The cyclic analog of R 396, (MEN 10354) was less potent and selective than the linear hexapeptide at NK-2 tachykinin receptors subtypes in the rabbit pulmonary artery and hamster trachea. The affinity of R 396, as measured by a smooth muscle contraction assay and a radioligand binding assay, was higher (about 10 fold) for NK-2 receptors expressed in hamster tissues (urinary bladder, stomach and trachea) than in rat tissues (urinary bladder, vas deferens, colon and stomach) and a further drop in affinity was observed in bovine tissues (urinary bladder and stomach) or rabbit bronchus. The results are discussed in relation to the proposed existence of NK-2 receptor subtypes and raise the question of the existence of species-related differences as compared to the existence of true receptor subtypes.