DISTRIBUTION OF BETA(3)-ADRENOCEPTOR MESSENGER-RNA IN HUMAN TISSUES

The beta(3)-adrenoceptor is a G protein-coupled receptor which mediate s metabolic functions of the endogenous catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine. Questions exist regarding distribution of the beta(3) -adrenoceptor in human tissue. In order to examine the distribution of beta(3)-adrenoceptor mRNA in human tissues, we used sensitive and spe cific RNase protection assays without previous PCR amplification in an extensive list of human tissues. We confirm the presence of beta(3)-a drenoceptor mRNA in human white fat from several locations, gall bladd er, and small intestine, as well as extend the distribution of beta(3) -adrenoceptor mRNA to previously uncharacterized human tissues such as stomach and prostate. The presence of beta(3)-adrenoceptor mRNA in hu man white adipose tissue has important implications regarding possible use of beta(3)-adrenoceptor selective agonists as anti-obesity agents , and the demonstration of beta(3)-adrenoceptor mRNA in a number of ga strointestinal tissues and prostate raises the question of the role of the beta(3)-adrenoceptor in motility and secretory processes.