Clinical Outcomes of Radiotherapy for Stage 1 Glottic Carcinoma: Comparing Accelerated Hyperfractionation and Once-daily Fractionation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Accelerated hyperfractionation (AHF) is used in head and neck cancer to improve the local control (LC) rate, but reports of outcomes for early-stage GC are limited. The outcomes of radiotherapy (RT) for stage 1 glottic carcinoma (GC) were retrospectively analyzed, comparing AHF and once-daily fractionation (ODF) using 2.0-2.4 Gy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 102 patients with stage 1 GC underwent RT alone between 2007 and 2021, with 43 in the AHF group and 59 in the ODF group. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered to indicate a significant difference. RESULTS: The 5-year LC rate was 98% in the AHF group and 91% in the ODF group (p=0.19). During RT, significantly more patients in the AHF group required opioids due to mucositis than in the ODF group (74% vs. 25%, p<0.001), and the rate of aspiration pneumonia tended to be higher in the AHF group than in the ODF group (7% vs. 0%, p=0.072). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the LC rate between AHF and ODF for stage 1 GC. Moreover, the AHF group required opioids at a higher rate and tended to have a higher risk of developing aspiration pneumonia.

Successful Preoperative QUAD SHOT for Bulky Parotid Carcinoma: Potential Preoperative Ultra-Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Conversion Surgery.

QUAD SHOT is an ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) technique that prescribes 14.0-14.8 Gy over 2 days. Although this technique has already gained some status as an effective palliative treatment for inoperable head and neck cancer (HNC), its application in other situations has not been given much consideration. Herein, we report a case of a 62-year-old woman who received preoperative QUAD SHOT therapy for poorly differentiated parotid carcinoma. In this case, after two courses of QUAD SHOT plus a standard chemotherapy regimen with pembrolizumab, the patient's inoperable, bulky tumor shrank dramatically and became operable. Best of all, while adequate therapeutic effects were achieved, the patient's time commitment and physical exertion were limited. RT during this period consisted of only eight fractions over 4 days. According to previous reports, the response rate for QUAD SHOT is sufficiently high, and the rate of serious adverse events is quite low. This case asks the question of whether the indications for QUAD SHOT irradiation can be expanded as one of the preoperative interventions undertaken by HNC surgeons to achieve conversion surgery.

Nintedanib-Induced Delayed Mucosal Healing after Adjuvant Radiation in a Case of Oropharyngeal Carcinoma.

Since the launch of imatinib in 2001, tyrosine kinase inhibitors are being used in chemotherapy for a wide range of malignant tumors. Drugs that inactivate multiple molecular mechanisms are called multikinase inhibitors (MKIs). Nintedanib is a type of MKI that inhibits downstream cascades in three systems: vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitions. It was initially developed as an anticancer drug for non-small-cell lung carcinoma; however, it was also found to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts associated with chronic inflammation in the lungs. Therefore, it is being more widely used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a benign disease, than as an antineoplastic agent. Several studies have reported adverse events associated with the concurrent use of MKIs with surgery or radiotherapy. Specifically, there has been a report cautioning against delayed wound healing associated with the use of nintedanib in patients undergoing surgery. However, there is no specific mention of its concurrent use during irradiation. We describe a case of a 72-year-old man with severely delayed recovery from radiation mucositis when nintedanib was being administered for benign disease.

Three cases of organized hematoma of the maxillary sinus: clinical features and immunohistological studies for vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expressions.

Objectives. Organized hematoma (OH) is a rare, nonneoplastic, hemorrhagic lesion causing mucosal swelling and bone thinning, mainly in the maxillary sinus. We aimed to clarify the clinical presentation and treatment of OH. Methods. Three cases of maxillary sinus OH and a literature review are presented. Results. Three men aged 16-40 years complained of nasal obstruction, frequent epistaxis, and/or headache. Clinical and radiological examinations revealed a maxillary sinus OH. They were cured in a piecemeal fashion via endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor were expressed in the lesion. Conclusions. The pathogenesis of OH is unclear and it presents various histological and imaging findings; however, it is not difficult to rule out malignant tumors. Minimally invasive surgery such as endoscopic sinus surgery can cure it completely. Thus, it is important to determine the diagnosis using CT and MRI and to quickly provide surgical treatment.

Galanin receptor 2 utilizes distinct signaling pathways to suppress cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in HNSCC.

Galanin and its receptors, GALR1 and GALR2, are tumor suppressors and represent therapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In the present study, it was demonstrated that the re­expression of GALR1 in GALR1 and GALR2­negative HNSCC cells suppresses tumor cell proliferation. This is mediated via extracellular­regulated protein kinase­1/2 (ERK1/2)­dependent effects on the cyclin­dependent kinase inhibitors (CKI) and cyclin D1. In combination with galanin, GALR2 also suppressed proliferation by increasing CKI and decreasing cyclin D1 levels. In contrast to GALR1, overexpression of GALR2 also induced caspase­3­dependent apoptosis. It was identified that in GALR2­transfected cells, galanin induced activation of ERK1/2 and suppressed cell proliferation. Galanin stimulation also decreased the expression of cyclin D1 and induced apoptotic DNA ladder formation in GALR2­transfected cells. Pretreatment with the ERK1/2­specific inhibitor U0126 and pertussis toxin prevented the suppression of cyclin D1 expression, however did not affect DNA ladder formation. In conclusion, GALR2 expression in the presence of galanin exerts antitumor effects via cell cycle arrest and apoptotic pathways, and reactivation of these pathways may have therapeutic benefits in HNSCC.

Phonological outcome of laryngeal framework surgery by different anesthesia protocols: a single-surgeon experience.

CONCLUSION: Similar to combined arytenoid adduction and medialization laryngoplasty (i.e. combined surgery) under local anesthesia, general anesthesia by intubation or by the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) method significantly improves phonological outcome. Thus, laryngeal framework surgery under general anesthesia is a promising surgical approach for selected patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP). OBJECTIVE: The advantages of laryngeal framework surgery under local anesthesia have been described, but no studies exist concerning the difference in phonological outcome of laryngeal framework surgery performed under general anesthesia. To add new information, we retrospectively investigated the phonological outcome of the combined surgery performed under three different anesthesia protocols. METHODS: Thirty-nine consecutive patients with severe UVCP underwent the combined surgery under three anesthesia protocols performed by a single surgeon: (1) under general anesthesia by intubation, (2) under general anesthesia using LMA, and (3) under local anesthesia. RESULTS: Under all anesthesia protocols, the vocal cords of most patients could be positioned such that the best vocal outcome could be expected. Statistical analyses demonstrated improved maximum phonation time and mean airflow rate, and grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain (GRBAS) scale in all patients, regardless of their anesthesia protocol. Furthermore, of the three protocols, local anesthesia had the shortest operation time.

Rare case of malignant transformation of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis associated with human papillomavirus type 6 infection and p53 overexpression.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a chronic upper respiratory condition characterized by diffuse multiple recurring papillomas, is thought to result from human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6 or 11 infection. Although RRP is an intractable disease, malignant transformation of RRP is rare. The underlying mechanism, however, has not been elucidated. We describe the clinical course of a patient who underwent more than 130 operations for RRP associated with HPV type 6 infection and subsequently suffered spontaneous malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that malignant transformation might result from a genomic defect, such as p53 inactivation, leading to stimulation of uncontrolled cell proliferation by HPV type 6 for an extended period, but not directly because of HPV itself. Our results could help in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for severe RRP, although further studies are required before clinical application of molecular targeted therapies.

Mechanism of inverse agonist action of sarpogrelate at the constitutively active mutant of human 5-HT2A receptor revealed by molecular modeling.

We previously reported that sarpogrelate, a selective 5-HT2A antagonist, showed a potent inverse agonist activity to constitutively active mutant (C322K) of human 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR). However, it remains to be unknown about the actual mechanism of this mutant for its constitutive activation as well as inverse agonist activity of sarpogrelate. Our model shows that mutation (C322K) of 5-HT2AR causes electronic repulsion between positively charged Arg173(3.50) and Lys322(6.34) residues resulting outward movement of the C-terminus of transmembrane helix (TMH) III. This motion of TMH III leads to a partially active structure of the receptor, which may be a key step in receptor activation. The structural model of the partially active receptor also indicates that the binding of sarpogrelate to the constitutively active receptor causes an inward swing of TMH III to an inactive receptor structure. Therefore, the present study may suggest that the electronic repulsion causing outward movement of the C-terminus of TMH III may be the key step for constitutive activation of mutant C322K of 5-HT2AR and the inward movement of TMH III causes the inverse agonist activity of sarpogrelate.

Practical access to four stereoisomers of naftidrofuryl and their binding affinity towards 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor.

Naftidrofuryl oxalate (Praxilene®, 1) has been used for the treatment of intermittent claudication for more than 30 years. It selectively blocks vascular and platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine 2 (5-HT(2)) receptors. This drug is marketed as a mixture of four stereoisomers, and so far there is no individual biological evaluation on the single isomers. The purpose of this study is to provide an improved method for the preparation of all four stereoisomers of naftidrofuryl, and more importantly, to distinguish them in terms of their binding affinity to 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT(2A)) receptor. The bioassay results revealed that the C-2S configuration of naftidrofuryl was crucial for the binding affinity with 5-HT(2A) receptor, and the C-2' configuration was less important for binding. In conclusion, our study may pave the way to develop single naftidrofuryl isomers with C-2S configuration as inhibitors of 5-HT(2A) receptor that have clinical significance as vasodilators and CNS agents.

Assessment of homologous internalization of constitutively active N111G mutant of AT(1) receptor.

Constitutively active mutants (CAMs) of G-protein-coupled receptors mimic the active conformation of the receptor in their ability to activate second messenger systems in the absence of agonist. They have revealed novel properties of drugs that reverse the basal levels of constitutive activity, indicating that the drugs have the inverse agonist activity. Internalization plays an important role in receptor endocytosis and signal transduction. The present chapter provides the investigation of the internalization behavior of CAM N111G of Angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor and correlates the result with the mechanism of constitutive activity of the mutant. Both wild-type (WT) and N111G mutant receptors were transiently expressed in COS-7 cells and total inositol phosphate production was measured in presence and absence of the angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). The binding affinities toward agonist and ARBs were also determined. We found that the ARBs have the inverse agonist activity in CAM N111G of AT(1) receptor. The internalization of the mutant, which was much lower than WT receptor, was significantly increased in presence of the ARBs. The results indicate that internalization of CAM N111G of AT(1) receptor is induced by the ARBs, which may be an important characteristic of inverse agonist activities of the ARBs in N111G.

Engineered mutation of some important amino acids in angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor increases the binding affinity of AT1-receptor antagonists.

The present study was designed to examine the binding affinity and functional potency of selective angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1))-receptor antagonists towards specific mutants of AT(1) receptor using site-directed mutagenesis. We also compared our results with the wild-type AT(1) receptor and investigated the possible reasons behind that. Both wild-type and mutant receptors were expressed in COS-7 cells and the binding affinities of the antagonists were determined by radioligand binding assay. Inhibition of agonist-stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation by the antagonists was also done. Substitution of asparagine(235) of intracellular loop 3 of the AT(1) receptor by arginine increased the binding affinity of the antagonists 5 - 34-fold, whereas the increase in the binding affinity of the antagonists in the phenylalanine(239) mutant by arginine and tryptophan (F239R and F239W) were 3 - 19-fold and 2 - 15-fold higher, respectively, compared to the wild-type AT(1) receptor. The results suggested that substitution by a positively charged or sterically hindered amino acid in the AT(1) receptor allows it to interact with the acidic tetrazole moiety and carboxylate groups of the antagonists more strongly compared to the wild-type receptor. These findings may play an important role to change the binding affinity of the antagonists to an effective level for the pharmacological function of the drugs.

Internalization of constitutively active N111G MUTANT of AT1 receptor induced by angiotensin II-receptor antagonists candesartan, losartan, and telmisartan: comparison with valsartan.

Based on radioligand binding and signal transduction assays in our previous study, we have determined the binding pattern and functional efficacy of the constitutively active mutant N111G of angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor. We have also shown that the N111G mutant induces homologous internalization through mediation of the AT(1)-receptor antagonist valsartan. In this study we demonstrated that other AT(1)-receptor antagonists, candesartan, losartan, and telmi-sartan, also stimulate internalization of N111G mutant receptor to the same extent. We further showed that the internalization pattern is also similar for all the AT(1)-receptor antagonists.

Constitutively active mutant N111G of angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor induces homologous internalization through mediation of AT(1)-receptor antagonist.

The present study investigated the internalization behavior of the constitutively active mutant (CAM) N111G of angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor and correlated the result with the mechanism of the constitutive activity of the mutant. The inverse agonist activity of valsartan, losartan, candesartan, and telmisartan was also examined by inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation study as well as receptor-internalization assay. Both wild-type (WT) and N111G mutant receptors were transiently expressed in COS-7 cells and the binding affinities towards the agonist and these four AT(1) antagonists were determined. Production of total IP was measured in the presence and absence of the compounds. The agonist-induced receptor internalization of both WT and N111G mutant receptors was also investigated. Although the mutant showed similar binding characteristics with agonist and the antagonists used as WT, the internalization of the mutant was much lower (19.56 +/- 2.87%) than that of the WT receptor (74.63 +/- 1.00%). Internalization of the mutant significantly increased (63.22 +/- 0.03%) in the presence of valsartan, which also showed significant inverse agonist activity in the N111G mutant. The results indicate that internalization of CAM N111G of the AT(1) receptor is induced by the use of valsartan, which may be an important characteristic of inverse agonist activities of AT(1) antagonists in N111G.

Assessment of binding affinity to 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A) receptor and inverse agonist activity of naftidrofuryl: comparison with those of sarpogrelate.

Naftidrofuryl is a peripheral vasodilator that has been clinically used in the treatment of intermittent claudication and dementia. It has 5-hydroxytryptamine 2 (5-HT(2)) antiserotonergic activity and selectively binds with the 5-HT(2) receptor. The purpose of the present study is to assess the binding affinity and functional potency of naftidrofuryl to the 5-HT(2A) receptor, to find out the inverse agonist activity of this compound at a constitutively active mutant of 5-HT(2A) receptor, and finally to compare the findings with those of sarpogrelate. The investigation showed that the binding affinity (pK(i)) of naftidrofuryl was decreased 25- or 50-fold compared to sarpogrelate in the wild-type 5-HT(2A) receptor or Cys322Lys mutant receptor, respectively. Moreover, the functional potency (pK(b)) of naftidrofuryl was much lower compared to sarpogrelate at the 5-HT(2A) receptor. In addition, inverse agonist activity of naftidrofuryl was lower compared with sarpogrelate at the constitutively active mutant receptor. Thus, the data of the present study would be very important for the clarification of interaction sites of naftidrofuryl to 5-HT(2A) receptors and also may help to understand the mechanism of inverse agonist activity at the constitutively active mutant receptor.

Mutagenesis of important amino acid reveals unconventional homologous internalization of beta(1)-adrenergic receptor.

AIMS: The study was designed to examine the internalization of Asp104Lys mutant of beta(1)-adrenergic receptor (beta(1)-AR) and compared to other mutant (Asp104Ala) and wild type receptors. Moreover, this study needs to perform the role of GRK2 (betaARK1) and beta-arrestin1 on this internalization of Asp104Lys mutant of beta(1)-AR. MAIN METHODS: Binding affinity, functional potency of agonist and agonist-induced internalization were determined for wild type and both mutants of beta(1)-ARs stably expressed in HEK 293 cells as assessed by [(3)H] CGP12177 radioligand. We have performed GRK2 and beta-arrestin1 expression levels by western blot analysis and also performed internalization of this mutant receptor after over expression and deletion of beta-arrestin1 gene. KEY FINDINGS: In the present study, the binding affinity of (-)-isoproterenol for both mutants were significantly decreased compared to wild type. Though the mutant Asp104Ala showed agonist-induced receptor activation, interestingly this mutant was not internalized. However, the mutant Asp104Lys, which showed uncoupling with G protein, was internalized 31.77+/-3.13% from cell surface. Asp104Lys mutant produced the same level of GRK2 expression in (-)-isoproterenol induced stimulation of wild type receptor and addition of (-)-isoproterenol further increased GRK2 expression in mutant receptors. In addition, overexpression of beta-arrestin1 in mutant Asp104Lys promoted (39.75+/-2.19%) and knockdown of beta-arrestin1 by siRNA decreased (3.55+/-1.75%) internalization compared to Asp104Lys mutant of beta(1)-ARs. SIGNIFICANCE: The present studies suggest that Asp104Lys mutant beta(1)-ARs triggers unconventional homologous internalization induced by G protein independent signals, where GRK2 and beta-arrestin1 play an important role for beta(1)-AR internalization.

Binding sites of valsartan, candesartan and losartan with angiotensin II receptor 1 subtype by molecular modeling.

AIMS: This study was designed to examine the importance of interaction in the binding of selective angiotensin II receptor antagonists to angiotensin II type 1 receptor using molecular modeling. The AT(1) antagonists used in this study were valsartan, candesartan and losartan. MAIN METHODS: AT(1) receptor structural model was constructed by homology modeling using structural models of rhodopsin photointermediates. Through molecular modeling, possible binding sites for these drugs were suggested to lie between transmembrane domains (TM) 3, 5, and 6 of AT(1) receptor. KEY FINDINGS: The carboxylic acid group and tetrazole ring of valsartan possibly interact with Lys199 of TM5 and Ser109 of TM3 and Asn295 of TM7 of AT(1) receptor, respectively. In candesartan, carboxylic group, tetrazole ring, and ethoxy group oxygen possibly interact with Lys199 of TM5, Ser109 of TM3 and Asn295 of TM7 and Gln257 of TM6, respectively. In losartan, tetrazole ring and hydroxymethyl group possibly interact with Asn295 of TM7 and Ser109 of TM3, respectively. SIGNIFICANCE: The results of the present study suggested that candesartan interacts at a higher number of binding sites compared to valsartan whereas losartan has a lower number of binding sites with the amino acid residues of the AT(1) receptor. These findings are consistent with the data of the radioligand-binding studies of the antagonists with the AT(1) receptor.

Mutation of important amino acid residue of Asp104Lys in human beta(1)-adrenergic receptor triggers functional and constitutive inactivation.

Based on our previous molecular modeling and radioligand binding study, we have demonstrated that aspartic acid of 104 in transmembrane helix (TMH) II of beta(1)-adrenergic receptor (beta(1)-AR) is important for functional characteristics of these receptors. We have also showed that mutation of negatively charged aspartic acid to neutral charged alanine exhibited constitutive activity of beta(1)-AR. However, the mutation of negatively charged aspartic acid to positively charged lysine is still remained to be examined, which is very important to know for fully understanding the characteristics of beta(1)-AR. At the present study, we mutated aspartic acid to lysine (Asp104Lys) residue in human beta(1)-AR. This resultant mutant (Asp104Lys) markedly reduced the binding affinity of isoproterenol and (-)-epinephrine. On the other hand, antagonist binding with this mutant was similar to the wild type receptor. Isoproterenol at its saturation concentrations produced lower amount of intracellular cyclic adenosine-3',5' cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in HEK-293 cells expressing Asp104Lys mutant receptor as compared to cells expressing wild type receptor. Moreover, cAMP accumulation of Asp104Lys mutant was unchanged in the presence or absence of isoproterenol. Therefore, it has been demonstrated that Asp104Lys mutation in the human beta(1)-AR differentially affects the binding of antagonist and exhibits a functional uncoupling of G-protein-coupled receptors. Thus, we may suggest that mutation of negatively charged aspartic acid to positively charged lysine as well as neutral charged alanine may help to understand the mechanism of the activation or inactivation of beta(1)-AR by its conformational changes and this finding would be helpful for clarifying the functional responses mediated by beta(1)-AR.

Mutational analysis of the alpha 1a-adrenergic receptor binding pocket of antagonists by radioligand binding assay.

Computer simulations of the human alpha 1a-adrenergic receptor (alpha 1a-AR) based on the crystal structure of rhodopsin have been combined with experimental site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the role of residues in the transmembrane domains in antagonist binding. Previous molecular dynamics studies from our laboratory indicated that the amino acids Asp106 in the third transmembrane domain (TMD), Gln167 in TMD IV of alpha 1a-AR were directly involved in prazosin, tamsulosin and KMD-3213 binding. The Asp106Ala mutant did not exhibit any affinity for [3H]prazosin. On the other hand, the Gln167Phe mutant alpha 1a-AR showed reduced binding affinity for [3H]prazosin. In competition binding experiment the binding affinities of prazosin and tamsulosin were increased 11-fold and 33-fold respectively to Gln167Phe mutant in comparison with wild type receptor. It seems that mutation of this residue by phenylalanine has offered more interaction for the ligands with its aromatic ring. The results provide direct evidence that these amino acid residues are responsible for the interactions between alpha 1a-AR and radioligand [3H]prazosin as well as tamsulosin and KMD-3213.

Amino acids of the human alpha1d-adrenergic receptor involved in antagonist binding.

Computer simulations of the human alpha(1d)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(1d)-AR) based on the crystal structure of rhodopsin have been combined with experimental site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the role of residues in the transmembrane domains in antagonist binding. Our results indicate that the amino acids Asp176 in the third transmembrane domain (TMD), Glu237 in TMD IV, and Ser258 in TMD V of alpha(1d)-AR were directly involved in prazosin and tamsulosin binding. The Asp176Ala mutant did not exhibit any affinity for [(3)H]prazosin and neither did it show agonist-stimulated inositol phosphates (IP) formation. On the other hand, the Glu237Ala and Ser258Ala mutant alpha(1d)-AR showed increased binding affinity for [(3)H]prazosin. Competition binding experiments showed that prazosin affinity had increased to 5-fold and 3-fold in the Glu237Ala and Ser258Ala mutants, respectively, versus wild-type; and tamsulosin affinity only increased in the Ser258Ala mutant (2-fold vs wild-type). It seems that these two residues constrain the receptor by interaction with other residues and this disruption of the interaction increased the receptor's binding affinity towards antagonists. However, the Glu237Ala and Ser258Ala mutant receptors retained the ability to stimulate the formation of myo-[(3)H]inositol but had activities lower than that of the wild-type receptor. The present results provide direct evidence that these amino acid residues are responsible for the interactions between alpha(1d)-AR and the radioligand [(3)H]prazosin as well as tamsulosin.

Asp125 and Thr130 in transmembrane domain 3 are major sites of alpha1b-adrenergic receptor antagonist binding.

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to investigate the molecular interactions involved in prazosin binding to the human alpha(1b)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(1b)-AR) receptor. Based on molecular modeling studies, Thr130 and Asp125 in transmembrane region III of the alpha(1b)-AR receptor were found to interact with prazosin. Thr130 and Asp125 were mutated to alanine (Ala) and expressed in HEK293 cells. The radioligand [(3)H]prazosin did not show any binding to Asp125Ala mutant of alpha(1b)-AR. Therefore, it was not possible to find any prazosin affinity to the mutant using the radioligand [(3)H]prazosin. The mutation also abolished phenylephrine-stimulated inositol phosphate (IP) formation of [(3)H]myo-inositol. On the other hand, the Thr130Ala mutant showed reduced binding affinity for [(3)H]prazosin (dissociation constant, K(d) 674.27 pM versus 90.27 pM for the wild-type receptor) and had reduced affinity for both tamsulosin and prazosin (11-fold and 9-fold, respectively). However, the Thr130Ala mutant receptor retained the ability to stimulate the formation of [(3)H]myo-inositol. The results provide direct evidence that Asp125 and Thr130 are responsible for the interactions between alpha(1b)-AR receptor and radioligand [(3)H]prazosin as well as tamsulosin.