Identification of B sub(2) bradykinin binding sites on cultured cortical astrocytes

Bradykinin was found to bind to specific high-affinity sites in cultured cortical astrocytes from rat brain, and this binding appeared to be specific for the B sub(2) bradykinin receptor subtype. Nonlinear regression analysis of saturation experiments using a computer programme revealed a single K sub(D) of 16.6 plus or minus 2.6 nM and a B sub(max) of 352.2 plus or minus 30.7 fmol/mg of protein. These results indicate that astrocytes possess bradykinin receptors and that these are predominantly of the B sub(2) subtype.