Distribution of beta 3-adrenoceptor mRNA in human tissues

• Published in: European journal of pharmacology Vol. 289; no. 2; pp. 223 - 228
• Main Authors: Berkowitz, D E, Nardone, N A, Smiley, R M, Price, D T, Kreutter, D K, Fremeau, R T, Schwinn, D A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 28-04-1995
• Subjects: Animals; Autoradiography; Cell Line; Cells, Cultured; Cerebral Cortex - metabolism; CHO Cells; Cricetinae; DNA, Complementary; Gallbladder - metabolism; Humans; Liver - physiology; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta - metabolism; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Tissue Distribution
• ISSN: 0014-2999

The beta 3-adrenoceptor is a G protein-coupled receptor which mediates metabolic functions of the endogenous catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine. Questions exist regarding distribution of the beta 3-adrenoceptor in human tissue. In order to examine the distribution of beta 3-adrenoceptor mRNA in human tissues, we used sensitive and specific RNase protection assays without previous PCR amplification in an extensive list of human tissues. We confirm the presence of beta 3-adrenoceptor mRNA in human white fat from several locations, gall bladder, and small intestine, as well as extend the distribution of beta 3-adrenoceptor mRNA to previously uncharacterized human tissues such as stomach and prostate. The presence of beta 3-adrenoceptor mRNA in human white adipose tissue has important implications regarding possible use of beta 3-adrenoceptor selective agonists as anti-obesity agents, and the demonstration of beta 3-adrenoceptor mRNA in a number of gastrointestinal tissues and prostate raises the question of the role of the beta 3-adrenoceptor in motility and secretory processes.