Demonstration of adenosine receptors on mouse cerebral smooth muscle membranes.

Adenosine receptors have been identified on brain cortical membranes and microvascular preparations. However, they have not been demonstrated on specific microvascular elements in isolation. 2-3H-chloroadenosine was used as a ligand to investigate the presence of adenosine receptors on isolated mouse cerebral smooth muscle membranes. The binding studies reveal the presence of a high affinity binding site with a Kd value of 33.3 nM and a maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 283 fmol/mg protein. These findings demonstrate that there is an adenosine receptor on cerebral smooth muscle membranes.