Structural basis for an inositol pyrophosphate kinase surmounting phosphate crowding.

Inositol pyrophosphates (such as IP7 and IP8) are multifunctional signaling molecules that regulate diverse cellular activities. Inositol pyrophosphates have 'high-energy' phosphoanhydride bonds, so their enzymatic synthesis requires that a substantial energy barrier to the transition state be overcome. Additionally, inositol pyrophosphate kinases can show stringent ligand specificity, despite the need to accommodate the steric bulk and intense electronegativity of nature's most concentrated three-dimensional array of phosphate groups. Here we examine how these catalytic challenges are met by describing the structure and reaction cycle of an inositol pyrophosphate kinase at the atomic level. We obtained crystal structures of the kinase domain of human PPIP5K2 complexed with nucleotide cofactors and either substrates, product or a MgF(3)(-) transition-state mimic. We describe the enzyme's conformational dynamics, its unprecedented topological presentation of nucleotide and inositol phosphate, and the charge balance that facilitates partly associative in-line phosphoryl transfer.

A soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor--8-HUDE increases pulmonary vasoconstriction through inhibition of K(ATP) channels.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), cytochrome P450-derived metabolites of arachidonic acid, are endogenously produced epoxides that act as substrates for the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Recent studies indicate that EETs increase the tension of rat pulmonary arteries (PAs), and inhibition of sEH augments hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. However, the mechanisms underlying the proconstrictive effects of sEH inhibitors in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are unclear. In the present study, we used a sEH inhibitor, 12-(3-hexylureido) dodec-8-enoic acid (8-HUDE), to examine the ionic mechanisms underlying the constriction of PAs. 8-HUDE increased the tension of rat PAs to 145% baseline in a manner which was effectively eliminated by 10 µmol/L glibenclamide, an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels. Whole cell currents of HEK cells transfected with Kir6.1 or SUR2B were activated by K(ATP) channel opener pinacidil, inhibited by K(ATP) channel inhibitor glibenclamide or inhibited by 8-HUDE in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 40 uM. In addition, 8-HUDE inhibited the expression of Kir6.1 and SUR2B at both mRNA and protein level in rat PASMCs. These observations suggest that 8-HUDE exerts acute effects on K(ATP) channel activity as well as subacute effects through decreased channel expression, and these effects are, at least in part, via the Kir6.1/SUR2B channel.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase contamination of specific catalase preparations inhibits epoxyeicosatrienoic acid vasodilation of rat renal arterioles.

Cytochrome P-450 metabolites of arachidonic acid, the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), are important signaling molecules in the kidney. In renal arteries, EETs cause vasodilation whereas H(2)O(2) causes vasoconstriction. To determine the physiological contribution of H(2)O(2), catalase is used to inactivate H(2)O(2). However, the consequence of catalase action on EET vascular activity has not been determined. In rat renal afferent arterioles, 14,15-EET caused concentration-related dilations that were inhibited by Sigma bovine liver (SBL) catalase (1,000 U/ml) but not Calbiochem bovine liver (CBL) catalase (1,000 U/ml). SBL catalase inhibition was reversed by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor tAUCB (1 µM). In 14,15-EET incubations, SBL catalase caused a concentration-related increase in a polar metabolite. Using mass spectrometry, the metabolite was identified as 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-DHET), the inactive sEH metabolite. 14,15-EET hydrolysis was not altered by the catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-ATZ; 10-50 mM), but was abolished by the sEH inhibitor BIRD-0826 (1-10 µM). SBL catalase EET hydrolysis showed a regioisomer preference with greatest hydrolysis of 14,15-EET followed by 11,12-, 8,9- and 5,6-EET (V(max) = 0.54 ± 0.07, 0.23 ± 0.06, 0.18 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.02 ng DHET·U catalase(-1)·min(-1), respectively). Of five different catalase preparations assayed, EET hydrolysis was observed with two Sigma liver catalases. These preparations had low specific catalase activity and positive sEH expression. Mass spectrometric analysis of the SBL catalase identified peptide fragments matching bovine sEH. Collectively, these data indicate that catalase does not affect EET-mediated dilation of renal arterioles. However, some commercial catalase preparations are contaminated with sEH, and these contaminated preparations diminish the biological activity of H(2)O(2) and EETs.

Role of arachidonic acid lipoxygenase metabolites in acetylcholine-induced relaxations of mouse arteries.

Arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites function as EDHFs in arteries of many species. They mediate cyclooxygenase (COX)- and nitric oxide (NO)-independent relaxations to acetylcholine (ACh). However, the role of AA metabolites as relaxing factors in mouse arteries remains incompletely defined. ACh caused concentration-dependent relaxations of the mouse thoracic and abdominal aorta and carotid, femoral, and mesentery arteries (maximal relaxation: 57 ± 4%, 72 ± 4%, 82 ± 3%, 80 ± 3%, and 85 ± 3%, respectively). The NO synthase inhibitor nitro-L-arginine (L-NA; 30 µM) blocked relaxations in the thoracic aorta, and L-NA plus the COX inhibitor indomethacin (10 µM) inhibited relaxations in the abdominal aorta and carotid, femoral, and mesenteric arteries (maximal relaxation: 31 ± 10%, 33 ± 5%, 41 ± 8%, and 73 ± 3%, respectively). In mesenteric arteries, NO- and COX-independent relaxations to ACh were inhibited by the lipoxygenase (LO) inhibitors nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA; 10 µM) and BW-755C (200 µM), the K(+) channel inhibitor apamin (1 µM), and 60 mM KCl and eliminated by endothelium removal. They were not altered by the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor N-methylsulfonyl-6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide (20 µM) or the epoxyeicosatrienoic acid antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (10 µM). AA relaxations were attenuated by NDGA or apamin and eliminated by 60 mM KCl. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis revealed arterial [(14)C]AA metabolites that comigrated with prostaglandins, trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (THETAs), hydroxyepoxyeicosatrienoic acids (HEETAs), and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids were not observed. Mass spectrometry confirmed the identity of 6-keto-PGF(1α), PGE(2), 12-HETE, 15-HETE, HEETAs, 11,12,15-THETA, and 11,14,15-THETA. AA metabolism was blocked by NDGA and endothelium removal. 11(R),12(S),15(S)-THETA relaxations (maximal relaxation: 73 ± 3%) were endothelium independent and blocked by 60 mM KCl. Western immunoblot analysis and RT-PCR of the aorta and mesenteric arteries demonstrated protein and mRNA expression of leukocyte-type 12/15-LO. Thus, in mouse resistance arteries, 12/15-LO AA metabolites mediate endothelium-dependent relaxations to ACh and AA.

14,15-Dihydroxy-eicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid selectively inhibits 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid-induced relaxations in bovine coronary arteries.

Cytochrome P-450 epoxygenases metabolize arachidonic acid (AA) to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). EETs relax vascular smooth muscle by membrane hyperpolarization. 14,15-Epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EE5ZE) antagonizes many vascular actions of EETs. EETs are converted to the corresponding dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). sEH activity in the bovine arterial endothelium and smooth muscle regulates endogenous EETs. This study examined sEH metabolism of 14,15-EE5ZE to 14,15-dihydroxy-eicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-DHE5ZE) and the resultant consequences on EET relaxations of bovine coronary arteries (BCAs). BCAs converted 14,15-EE5ZE to 14,15-DHE5ZE. This conversion was blocked by the sEH inhibitor 12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-dodecanoic acid (AUDA). 14,15-EET relaxations (maximal relaxation, 83.4 ± 4.5%) were inhibited by 14,15-DHE5ZE (10 µM; maximal relaxation, 36.1 ± 9.0%; p < 0.001). In sharp contrast with 14,15-EE5ZE, 14,15-DHE5ZE is a 14,15-EET-selective inhibitor and did not inhibit 5,6-, 8,9-, or 11,12-EET relaxations. 14,15-EET and 11,12-EET relaxations were similar in the presence and absence of AUDA (1 µM). 14,15-EE5ZE inhibited 14,15-EET relaxations to a similar extent with and without AUDA pretreatment. However, 14,15-EE5ZE inhibited 11,12-EET relaxations to a greater extent with than without AUDA pretreatment. These observations indicate that sEH converts 14,15-EE5ZE to 14,15-DHE5ZE, and this alteration influences antagonist selectivity against EET-regioisomers. 14,15-DHE5ZE inhibited endothelium-dependent relaxations to AA but not endothelium-independent relaxations to sodium nitroprusside. A series of sEH-resistant ether analogs of 14,15-EE5ZE was developed, and analogs with agonist and antagonist properties were identified. The present study indicates that conversion of 14,15-EE5ZE to 14,15-DHE5ZE produces a 14,15-EET-selective antagonist that will be a useful pharmacological tool to identify EET receptor(s) and EET function in the cardiovascular system.

8,9-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid analog protects pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from apoptosis via ROCK pathway.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP), have many essential biologic roles in the cardiovascular system including inhibition of apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we tested the potential of 8,9-EET and derivatives to protect pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) from starvation induced apoptosis. We found 8,9-epoxy-eicos-11(Z)-enoic acid (8,9-EET analog (214)), but not 8,9-EET, increased cell viability, decreased activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, and decreased TUNEL-positive cells or nuclear condensation induced by serum deprivation (SD) in PASMCs. These effects were reversed after blocking the Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway with Y-27632 or HA-1077. Therefore, 8,9-EET analog (214) protects PASMC from serum deprivation-induced apoptosis, mediated at least in part via the ROCK pathway. Serum deprivation of PASMCs resulted in mitochondrial membrane depolarization, decreased expression of Bcl-2 and enhanced expression of Bax, all effects were reversed by 8,9-EET analog (214) in a ROCK dependent manner. Because 8,9-EET and not the 8,9-EET analog (214) protects pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs), these observations suggest the potential to differentially promote apoptosis or survival with 8,9-EET or analogs in pulmonary arteries.

Stereospecific Suzuki cross-coupling of alkyl alpha-cyanohydrin triflates.

Scalemic alpha-cyanohydrin triflates undergo Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling with aryl, heteroaryl, and vinyl boronic acids under mild conditions. Coupling proceeds with complete inversion of configuration at the stereogenic carbon. The resultant nitrile can be easily converted into a variety of alternative functional groups of value in organic synthesis and thus achieves a higher level of molecular complexity than the products of traditional Suzuki reactions.

Iridium-catalyzed (Z)-trialkylsilylation of terminal olefins.

A complex of commercial [Ir(OMe)(cod)](2) and 4,4-di-tert-butyl-2,2-bipyridine (dtbpy) catalyzes the Z-selective, dehydrative silylation of terminal alkenes, but not 1,2-disubstituted alkenes, with triethylsilane or benzyldimethylsilane in THF at 40 degrees C. Yields and Z-stereoselectivity were significantly improved by 2-norbornene, in contrast with other sacrificial alkenes. The reaction is compatible with many functional groups including epoxides, ketones, amides, alcohols, esters, halides, ketals, and silanes. alpha,beta-Unsaturated esters were unreactive. The reaction probably proceeds through a Heck-type mechanism.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid prevents postischemic electrocardiogram abnormalities in an isolated heart model.

Cytochrome P450 epoxygenases metabolize arachidonic acid (AA) to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) which are in turn converted to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The main objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of EETs following ischemic injury using an ex vivo electrocardiogram (EKG) model. Hearts from C57Bl/6, transgenic mice with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of CYP2J2 (Tr) and wildtype (WT) littermates were excised and perfused with constant pressure in a Langendorff apparatus. Electrodes were placed superficially at the right atrium and left ventricle to assess EKG waveforms. In ischemic reperfusion experiments hearts were subjected to 20 min of global no-flow ischemia followed by 20 min of reperfusion (R20). The EKG from C57Bl/6 hearts perfused with 1 microM 14,15-EET showed less QT prolongation (QTc) and ST elevation (STE) (QTc=41+/-3, STE=2.3+/-0.3; R20: QTc=42+/-2 ms, STE=1.2+/-0.2mv) than control hearts (QTc=36+/-2, STE=2.3+/-0.2; R20: QTc=53+/-3 ms; STE=3.6+/-0.4mv). Similar results of reduced QT prolongation and ST elevation were observed in EKG recording from CYP2J2 Tr mice (QTc=35+/-1, STE=1.9+/-0.1; R20: QTc=38+/-4 ms, STE=1.3+/-0.2mv) compared to WT hearts. The putative epoxygenase inhibitor MS-PPOH (50 microM) and EET antagonist 14,15-EEZE (10 microM) both abolished the cardioprotective response, implicating EETs in this process. In addition, separate exposure to the K(ATP) channel blockers glibenclamide (1 microM) and HMR1098 (10 microM), or the PKA protein inhibitor H89 (50 nM) during reperfusion abolished the improved repolarization in both the models. Consistent with a role of PKA, CYP2J2 Tr mice had an enhanced activation of the PKAalpha regulatory II subunit in plasma membrane following IR injury. The present data demonstrate that EETs can enhance the recovery of ventricular repolarization following ischemia, potentially by facilitating activation of K(+) channels and PKA-dependent signaling.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids limit damage to mitochondrial function following stress in cardiac cells.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are polyunsaturated fatty acids synthesized from arachidonic acid by CYP2J2 epoxygenase and inactivated by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH or Ephx2) to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. Mitochondrial function following ischemic insult is a critical determinant of reperfusion-induced cell death in the myocardium. The objectives of the current study were to investigate the protective role of EETs in mitochondrial function. Mice with the targeted disruption of the Ephx2 gene, cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of CYP2J2 or perfused with EETs all have improved postischemic LVDP recovery compared to wild-type (WT). Perfusion with the mPTP opener, atractyloside, abolished the improved postischemic functional recovery observed in CYP2J2 Tr, sEH null and EET perfused hearts. Electron micrographs demonstrated WT hearts to have increased mitochondrial fragmentation and T-tubule swelling compared to CYP2J2 Tr hearts following 20 min global ischemia and 20 min reperfusion. Direct effects of EETs on mitochondria were assessed in isolated rat cardiomyocytes and H9c2 cells. Laser-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and mPTP opening was significantly reduced in cells treated with 14, 15-EET (1 microM). The EET protective effect was blocked by the putative EET antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (1 muM, 14, 15-EEZE), paxilline (10 microM, BK(Ca) inhibitor) and 5HD (100 microM, K(ATP) inhibitor). Our studies show that EETs can limit mitochondrial dysfunction following cellular stress via a K(+) channel-dependent mechanism.

Enalapril treatment alters the contribution of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids but not gap junctions to endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor activity in mesenteric arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Reduction in endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated dilatory function in large, elastic arteries during hypertension is reversed after blood pressure normalization. We investigated whether similar mechanisms occurred in smaller mesenteric resistance arteries from aged Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and SHRs treated with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril, using immunohistochemistry, serial-section electron microscopy, electrophysiology and wire myography. Unlike the superior mesenteric artery, EDHF relaxations in muscular mesenteric arteries were not reduced in SHRs, although morphological differences were found in the endothelium and smooth muscle. In WKY rats, SHRs and enalapril-treated SHRs, relaxations were mediated by small-, large-, and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, which were distributed in the endothelium, smooth muscle, and both layers, respectively. However, only WKY hyperpolarizations and relaxations were sensitive to gap junction blockers, and these arteries expressed more endothelial and myoendothelial gap junctions than arteries from SHRs. Responses in WKY rats, but not SHRs, were also reduced by inhibitors of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE) and miconazole, although sensitivity to EET regioisomers was endothelium-independent in all rats. Enalapril treatment of SHRs reduced blood pressure and restored sensitivity to 14,15-EEZE, but not to gap junction blockers, and failed to reverse the morphological changes. In conclusion, the mechanisms underlying EDHF in muscular mesenteric arteries differ between WKY rats and SHRs, with gap junctions and EETs involved only in WKY rats. However, reduction of blood pressure in SHRs with enalapril restored a role for EETs, but not gap junctions, without reversing morphological changes, suggesting a differential control of chemical and structural alterations.

Effect of cytochrome P450 arachidonate metabolites on ion transport in rabbit kidney loop of Henle.

In the medullary segment of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (mTALH), arachidonic acid (AA) is metabolized by a cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase to products that affect ion transport. The linkage between changes in ion transport and AA metabolism in isolated cells of the mTALH was examined. AA produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of 86Rb uptake--an effect that was prevented by selective blockade of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. Inhibition by cytochrome P450 blockade of the effect of AA on 86Rb uptake could be circumvented by addition of the principal products of AA metabolism in the mTALH.

Role of substrates and products of PI 3-kinase in regulating activation of Rac-related guanosine triphosphatases by Vav.

Mitogen stimulation of cytoskeletal changes and c-jun amino-terminal kinases is mediated by Rac small guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. Vav, a guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-guanosine triphosphate (GTP) exchange factor for Rac that stimulates the exchange of bound GDP for GTP, bound to and was directly controlled by substrates and products of phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase. The PI 3-kinase substrate phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate inhibited activation of Vav by the tyrosine kinase Lck, whereas the product phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate enhanced phosphorylation and activation of Vav by Lck. Control of Vav in response to mitogens by the products of PI 3-kinase suggests a mechanism for Ras-dependent activation of Rac.

Highly stereoselective synthesis of (Z,E)-1-halo-1,3-dienol esters via rearrangement of Fischer chromium chloro-carbenes using microwave irradiation.

Functionalized (Z,E)-1-halo-1,3-dienol esters are synthesized in a highly stereoselective manner via CrCl2-mediated rearrangement of allylic trihalomethylcarbinol esters induced by microwave irradiation.

Products of heme-catalyzed transformation of the arachidonate derivative 12-HPETE open S-type K+ channels in Aplysia.

In Aplysia mechanosensory neurons, the neuropeptide FMRFamide increases the opening of the background S-K+ channel. This action is mediated by activation of arachidonic acid metabolism. Arachidonic acid in Aplysia nervous tissue is transformed through the 12-lipoxygenase pathway to 12-HPETE, which undergoes further metabolism. In intact sensory cells, 12-HPETE simulates the FMRFamide response, raising the question of whether 12-HPETE is the messenger molecule ultimately acting on the S-K+ channel. Here we show that in cell-free (inside-out) patches from sensory cells, 12-HPETE fails to modulate the S-K+ channel, but in the presence of hematin (which catalyzes 12-HPETE metabolism), it triggers sharp increases in the channel opening probability. We also found that SKF-525A, an inhibitor of the cytochrome P450, reduces the response to FMRFamide, arachidonic acid, and 12-HPETE in intact cells. We conclude that a heme-catalyzed transformation of 12-HPETE is necessary and sufficient to promote the opening of the S-K+ channel and a heme-containing enzyme such as cytochrome P450 might play this key role.

Enantioselective, organocatalytic oxy-michael addition to gamma/delta-hydroxy-alpha,beta-enones: boronate-amine complexes as chiral hydroxide synthons.

An organocatalytic, enantioselective oxy-Michael addition to achiral gamma- and delta-hydroxy-alpha,beta-enones was developed. The key transformation is an unprecedented, asymmetric conjugate addition triggered by complexation between an in situ generated boronic acid hemiester and a chiral amine catalyst. Functionally, the intermediate amine-boronate complex acts as a chiral hydroxide surrogate or synthon. The resultant chiral beta-hydroxy-ketones are obtained in good to excellent yields and high ee following mild oxidative removal of the cyclic boronate. Natural products (R,12Z,15Z)-2-hydroxy-4-oxohenicosa-12,15-dienyl acetate and (+)-(S)-streptenol A were synthesized to demonstrate the utility of this reaction.

The mechanism of oleic acid nitration by *NO(2).

Fatty acid nitration is a recently discovered process that generates biologically active nitro lipids; however, its mechanism has not been fully characterized. For example, some structural details such as vinyl and allyl isomers of the nitro fatty acids have not been established. To characterize lipids that originated from a biomimetic reaction of *NO(2) with oleic acid, we synthesized several isomers of nitro oleic acids and studied their chromatography and mass spectra by various techniques of mass spectrometry. LC/MS analysis performed on a high resolution micro column detected molecular carboxylic anions of various oleic acid nitro isomers (NO(2)OA). Esterification of NO(2)OA with pentafluorobenzyl bromide and diisopropylethylamine as a catalyst produced a unique isoxazole ester derivative exclusively from allyl NO(2)OA isomers via dehydration of the nitro group at ambient temperatures. This new analytical procedure revealed that *NO(2) generated two vinyl and two allyl isomers of NO(2)OA. The vinyl isomers showed high regioselectivity with the 1.8:1 preference for the 10-NO(2)OA isomer that was absent among allylic isomers. The nitration also generated elaidic acid via cis-trans isomerization and diatereoisomers of vicinal nitro hydroxy, nitro keto and alpha-nitro epoxy stearic acids with high stereo and regioselectivity. Nitration of small unilamelar phospholipid vesicles resulted in several phospholipids containing nitro lipids and elaidic acid amenable to hydrolysis by phospholipase A(2).

Characterization of epoxyeicosatrienoic acid binding site in U937 membranes using a novel radiolabeled agonist, 20-125i-14,15-epoxyeicosa-8(Z)-enoic acid.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are important regulators of vascular tone and homeostasis. Whether they initiate signaling through membrane receptors is unclear. We developed 20-iodo-14,15-epoxyeicosa-8(Z)-enoic acid (20-I-14,15-EE8ZE), a radiolabeled EET agonist, to characterize EET binding to membranes of U937 cells. 20-I-14,15-EE8ZE stimulated cAMP production in U937 cells with similar potency, but it decreased efficacy compared with 11,12-EET. Maximum cAMP production increased 4.2-fold, with an EC(50) value of 9 muM. Like 14,15-EET, 20-I-14,15-EE8ZE relaxed bovine coronary arteries, with a similar EC(50) value. Both 20-I-14,15-EE8ZE agonist activities were blocked by the EET antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)enoic acid (14,15-EE5ZE). Specific 20-(125)I-14,15-EE8ZE binding to U937 membranes reached equilibrium within 10 min and remained unchanged for 30 min at 4 degrees C. The binding was saturable, reversible, and exhibited K(D) and B(max) values of 11.8 +/- 1.1 nM and 5.8 +/- 0.2 pmol/mg protein, respectively. Pretreatment of the membranes with guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate reduced the B(max) in a concentration-related manner. 20-(125)I-14,15-EE8ZE binding was inhibited by eicosanoids with potency order of 11,12-EET >14,15-EE5ZE approximately 14,15-EET >> 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid > 14,15-EET-thiirane >14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid. This order is in agreement with the efficacy and potency of cAMP production. In summary, 20-(125)I-14,15-EE8ZE is a radiolabeled EET agonist that is useful to study binding and metabolism. Using this radioligand, we have identified a specific high-affinity and high-abundance EET binding site in U937 cell membranes. This binding site could represent a specific EET receptor, which is probably a G protein-coupled receptor.