CLONING, FUNCTIONAL EXPRESSION AND TISSUE DISTRIBUTION OF RABBIT ALPHA(1D)-ADRENOCEPTOR

We have cloned a cDNA encoding rabbit alpha(1d) adrenoceptor from the rabbit liver cDNA library. The deduced amino-acid sequence of this clo ne encodes a protein of 576 amino acids that shows strong sequence hom ology to previously cloned human, rat and mouse alpha(1d) adrenoceptor s. The pharmacological radioligand binding properties of this clone ex pressed in COS-7 cells were similar to those of rat alpha(1d)-adrenoce ptors. Competitive RT/PCR assays revealed wide tissue distribution of the alpha(1d) adrenoceptor mRNA in rabbit, especially abundant in vas deferens, aorta, prostate and cerebral cortex.