To characterize the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes, we developed a flo
w cytometry method using the fluorescent ligand BODIPY-FL prazosin and
the anti-peptide antibody against the alpha(1b)-adrenoceptor amino te
rminus (designated 1B-N1-C) as probes, Three alpha(1)-adrenoceptors (a
lpha(1a), alpha(1b) and alpha(1d)) expressed in CHO cells were detecte
d by BODIPY-FL prazosin; however, only alpha(1b)-adrenoceptor subtype
was detected by the anti-peptide antibody 1B-N1-C, Furthermore, the fl
ow cytometry analysis with 1B-N1-C specifically identified alpha(1b)-a
drenoceptor in native cells of hamster DDT1-MF2 cells, rat hepatocytes
and1 cardiomyocytes.