cDNA cloning and characterization of guinea-pig leukotriene B4 receptor

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Abstract
The cDNA for leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor (BLT) was cloned from a guinea-pig leucocyte cDNA library. The cloned receptor cDNA encodes 348 amino acid residues and shares 73% identity with the amino acid sequence of human BLT. Northern blot analysis showed the highest expression of the receptor mRNA in leucocytes, followed by lung and spleen. The membrane fractions of HEK-293 and Cos-7 cells transfected with the cDNA showed specific LTB4-binding activities, with Kd values of 0.27 and 0.17 nM respectively. Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with the cRNA of guinea-pig BLT showed LTB4-induced Cl- currents, indicating that the cloned receptor is functional. LTB4 is metabolized to 20-hydroxy-LTB4 and then to 20-carboxy-LTB4, a transformation considered as a major inactivation pathway of the compound. Using the cloned receptor, we analysed the agonistic effects of LTB4 and these two metabolites. 20-Carboxy-LTB4 is a much weaker agonist, with a Kd value higher than that of LTB4 by three orders of magnitude, corresponding to a much weaker chemotactic activity. Although 20-hydroxy-LTB4 is as potent as LTB4 in inhibiting [3H]LTB4 binding and cAMP formation, it is less potent than LTB4 in the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ and the chemotaxis of Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the guinea-pig BLT. The present study demonstrated that although LTB4 and 20-hydroxy-LTB4 bind to the receptor with similar affinities, they do differ in activating intracellular signalling.

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