Immobilization of membrane receptor on HPLC

Abstract

This invention provides a immobilized receptors on supports in liquid chromatographic systems. The method of the invention provides means of evaluating the attachment of agents to receptors comprising the steps of: (a) immobilizing receptors on artificial membrane supports in a column, (b) exposing the supports with the receptors to test agents at varying concentrations in a liquid chromatographic system, (c) eluting the test agent from the column, and (d) evaluating the elution profile of the test materials from the column. Using this method, it is possible to evaluate the interaction of the test agent with the receptor. Following elution, it is possible to directly determine molecular structure by passing the elute through other testing devices such as a mass spectrometer.

What we claim is:  
     
         1 . An artificial membrane support having a receptor immobilized thereon in a liquid flow system.  
     
     
         2 . A support of  claim 1  wherein the system is a chromatographic system.  
     
     
         3 . A support of  claim 1  wherein the liquid flow system is an on-line system.  
     
     
         4 . A method of evaluating the attachment of agents to receptors comprising the steps of: 
 (a) immobilizing receptors on artificial membrane supports in a column,    (b) exposing the supports with the receptors to test agents at varying concentrations in a liquid chromatographic system,    (c) eluting the test agent from the column, and    (d) evaluating the elution profile of the test materials from the column.    
     
     
         5 . A method of  claim 4  wherein the receptors are brain receptors.  
     
     
         6 . A method of  claim 5  wherein the receptors are GABA receptors.  
     
     
         7 . A method of  claim 4  wherein the receptors are estrogen receptors.  
     
     
         8 . A method of  claim 4  wherein the receptors are androgen receptors.