Correlation of apparent affinity values from H 3-receptor binding assays with apparent affinity (pK app) and intrinsic activity (α) from functional bioassays

Abstract

Background and purpose: Agonist apparent affinities (pK I′) in histamine H 3-receptor binding assays were higher than expected from apparent affinity values (pK app) estimated in bioassay. Here, we investigate whether the degree of pK I′ overestimation is related to agonist intrinsic efficacy, by studying the effect of buffer composition on the pK I′ of ligands with varying intrinsic activity. Experimental approach: In the guinea-pig ileum bioassay, intrinsic activity (α) was determined from the maximal inhibition of the contraction produced by increasing agonist concentration. pK app values were estimated using the method of Furchgott. The pK L of [ 3H]clobenpropit in guinea-pig cerebral cortex was estimated by saturation analysis in 20 mM HEPES-NaOH buffer (buffer B (0,0,0)), or buffer B (0,0,0) containing 70 mM CaCl 2, 100 mM NaCl and 100 mM KCl (buffer B (0.07,0.1,0.1)). PK I values were determined in competition studies in both buffers. Key results: [ 3H]clobenpropit saturation isotherms had n H values of unity in both buffers. In buffer B (0.07,0.1,0.1), agonist pK I′ values were closer to pK app values than in buffer B (0,0,0) but were associated with n H values <1. A two-site analysis of agonist data in buffer B (0.07, 0.1, 0.1) provided a better fit than a one-site fit and low affinity values (pK IL) were comparable to pK app. Differences between the pK I′ in buffer B (0,0,0) and pK IL values in buffer B (0.07,0.1,0.1) (ΔpK) were correlated with α. Conclusions and implications: H 3-receptor binding assays conducted in buffer B (0,0,0) and buffer B (0.07,0.1,0.1) can provide a measure of ligand affinity (pK app) and intrinsic efficacy. The assay predicts that some ligands previously classified as H 3-receptor antagonists may possess residual intrinsic efficacy. © 2007 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved.