Changes in Adipocyte β-Adrenergic Receptor of Cold-acclimated Rats

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Abstract
The changes in the number and affinity of binding sites in the .beta.-adrenergic receptors of rat white adipocytes after cold exposure were studied with the aid of (-)-[3H]dihydroalprenolol. One day cold exposure did not change the number and affinity of binding sites in .beta.-adrenergic receptors. Chronic exposure of rats to cold (5.degree. C) for 1 and 4 wk significantly decreased the affinity of .beta.-adrenergic receptors without any alteration in the number of binding sites. Such changes in the binding affinity observed in cold-acclimated rats (4 wk, 5.degree. C) remained for 18 h after these animals were transferred to a warm environment of 25.degree. C. The decreased affinity of binding sites in .beta.-adrenergic receptor induced by cold acclimation could not explain the enhanced metabolic response of cold-acclimated animals to noradrenaline [norepinephrine].