Autoradiographic mapping of beta-adrenoceptors in human skin

Abstract

A high density of β2-adrenoceptors has been found in human skin. Using autoradiographic mapping we investigated the distribution of β1- and β2-receptors in normal and diseased human skin. Cryostat sections of human skin obtained at biopsy were incubated with [125I]-iodocyanopindolol and nonspecific binding was identified by incubation of adjacent sections with 200 μM (-)-isoproterenol; β2-receptors were visualized using CGP 20712A and β1-receptors using ICI 118,551 as competing agents. The epidermis was densely labelled with an even distribution throughout all layers. Most of the β-receptors were of the β2-subtype, with practically no β1-receptors. β-Receptors were also localized to eccrine sweat glands, dermal blood vessels, and perivascular inflammatory cells, but there was no labelling of sebaceous glands. Topical glucocorticoids caused an increase in the density of epidermal β-receptors. We conclude that keratinocytes and eccrine sweat glands express high densities of β2-receptors, suggesting that they may have a physiological role in the regulation of these cells.