k‐Binding and Degradation of [3H]Dynorphin A (1–8) and [3H]Dynorphin A (1–9) in Suspensions of Guinea Pig Brain Membranes

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Abstract
Following incubation of [3H]dynorphin A (1–8) and [3H]dynorphin A (1–9) with suspensions of guinea pig brain membranes, analysis of the supernatants by HPLC has shown that both peptides are degraded at 25°C and at 0°C. Bestatin and captopril reduce degradation at 0°C but for a similar degree of protection at 25°C argininecontaining dipeptides are also required. The effects of these peptidase inhibitors on the degradation profiles indicate that [3H]dynorphin A (1–8) has three main sites of cleavage: the Tyr1‐Gly2, Arg6‐Arg7, and Leu5‐Arg6 bonds. With [3H]dynorphin A (1–9) as substrate the Arg7‐Ile8 and Ile8‐Arg9 bonds are also liable to cleavage. In binding assays, in contrast to the effects of peptidase inhibitors on the degradation of unbound [3H]dynorphin A (1–8) and [3H]dynorphin A (1–9), bestatin and captopril have little effect on the binding characteristics of the tritiated dynorphin A fragments at the k‐site at 0°C. However, at 25°C binding is low in the absence of peptidase inhibitors. When binding at μ‐ and δ‐sites is prevented, the maximal binding capacities of [3H]dynorphin A (1–8), [3H]dynorphin A (1–9), and [3H](–)‐bremazocine at the k‐site are similar; [3H]dynorphin A (1–9) has 5–10 times higher affinity for the k‐site than [3H]dynorphin A (1–8). Comparison of the effects of peptidase inhibitors on unbound dynorphin A fragments with their effects in binding assays suggests that the bound peptides are protected from the action of peptidases.