CHARACTERIZATION OF PUTATIVE GROWTH-HORMONE RECEPTORS IN HUMAN CHOROID-PLEXUS

The ability to bind iodine-labelled human growth hormone ([I-125]hGH) was measured in different parts of the human brain. The choroid plexus contained the highest amount of binding sites (receptors) and was therefore selected for further studies. The binding between [I-125]hGH and the receptor was saturable, of high affinity (K(a) = 0.63 nM-1) and pH- as well as time-dependent. After solubilization with Triton X-100 the receptors retained their hormone-binding properties and eluted in the high molecular weight range (> 500 000) upon molecular sieve chromatography. Analysis by an affinity cross-linking technique indicated a hormone-binding unit of molecular weight 51 000. The molecular characteristics of the identified binding sites are discussed in comparison to those of growth hormone receptors of human and animal origin.