beta-Adrenergic response in mouse CNS reaggregate cultures.

Primary reaggregate cultures from 17-day embryonic mouse brains were prepared and tested for beta -adrenergic response. Isoproterenol stimulated the production of cAMP 3- to 4-fold over basal levels after 10 days in culture. The response to isoproterenol was rapid, reaching a maximum 1-2 min after stimulation, and was blocked by propranolol. The beta-adrenergic receptor was characterized in membranes prepared from reaggregates by measurement of specific binding of [125I]iodohydroxybenzylpindolol (IHYP). The Kd for IHYP was 100-300 pM and did not change as a function of time in culture. A maximum receptor density of approximately 80-110 fmol/mg membrane protein was found. Both beta-adrenergic receptors and response appeared at times in culture, which were approximately equivalent to birth.