Autoradiographic localization and function of beta-adrenoceptors on the human internal mammary artery and saphenous vein.

1. Receptor autoradiography with (-)-[125I]-cyanopindolol (CYP) was used to study the distribution of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor subtypes in the human internal mammary artery and saphenous vein. 2. Images from X-ray film and nuclear emulsion coated coverslips, exposed to [125I]-CYP labelled sections, showed a high density of beta 2-adrenoceptors localized to the endothelium of the internal mammary artery and fewer beta 2-adrenoceptors on the smooth muscle. 3. The function of beta-adrenoceptors in ring preparations of the internal mammary artery was investigated in organ bath studies. (-)-Isoprenaline produced concentration-dependent relaxation of phenylephrine contracted rings. The potency and maximal effects of (-)-isoprenaline were not influenced by the presence of the endothelium. 4. Images of [125I]-CYP binding to the saphenous vein, from X-ray film and nuclear emulsion coated coverslips, showed localization of beta 2-adrenoceptors to the outer smooth muscle and not to the endothelium. 5. Relaxation of mammary artery and saphenous vein to (-)-isoprenaline is mediated via beta 2-adrenoceptors located on the smooth muscle. Endothelial beta 2-adrenoceptors, although present on the internal mammary artery, mediate other functions.