Effects of neonatal monosodium glutamate treatment on substance P binding sites in the rat retina.

We have demonstrated a high affinity specific binding of 125I-Bolton Hunter conjugate of substance P (125I-BHSP) to rat retina membranes. The binding was saturable and monophasic with a Kd of 0.2 nM and a Bmax of 290 fmol/mg protein. The rank order of potency of tachykinins and related analogues in inhibiting 125I-BHSP binding conformed to that of the NK-1 (identical to SP-P) tachykinin receptor, with SP greater than NKA greater than or equal to KAS greater than or equal to NKB and [Glp6, L-Pro9]SP(6-11) being 60 times more active than [Glp6, D-Pro9]SP(6-11). After neonatal monosodium glutamate (MSG) treatment, there was a marked reduction in the number but not binding affinity of 125I-BHSP binding sites in the retina. The same treatment had no effect on either the number or binding affinities of NK-1 sites in the salivary gland.