Distribution of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in gastrointestinal tract of nondiabetic and diabetic BB rats. A longitudinal study.

The effects of aging and diabetes on the distribution of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in the gut were investigated in the BB rat. [125I]Cyanopindolol binding to 10-micron sections was evaluated using film autoradiography. Cyanopindolol binding to beta-, beta 1-, and beta 2-adrenoceptors was displaced by 1 microM propranolol, 50 nM ICI-89-406, and 100 nM ICI-118-551, respectively. beta-Adrenoceptor binding was highest in the circular muscle of proximal colon and lowest in the pylorus of 4- to 5-month-old rats. Aging (8- to 10-month-old vs. 4- to 5-month-old rats) was associated with increased beta-adrenoceptor binding in the pylorus and reduced binding in the proximal colon. Diabetes had a time-dependent effect on the level of beta-adrenoceptor binding. It was increased in the antral and pyloric stomach but longer periods of diabetes caused a reduction in beta-adrenoceptor binding in the pylorus. Those in the intestine were reduced time-dependently and involved beta 1- or beta 2-adrenoceptors or both.