Comparative determination of beta-adrenergic receptors in muscle, heart and backfat of Piétrain and Large White pigs

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe number of beta-adrenergic receptors which influence the effectiveness of catecholamines was determined by 3H-dihydro-alprenolol in muscle, heart and fat tissue of stress-susceptible pigs (Pietrains) and non-susceptible pigs (Large Whites). In all investigated tissues proportionately 0·31 to 0·38 more receptors were found in the Pietrains than in the Large Whites, the differences being significant (P< 0·05). That the higher numbers of beta-adrenergic receptors in Pietrain pigs may be involved in accelerated muscle glycogenolysis (poor meat quality) and increased lipolysis (low carcass fat) in these animals and in other breds showing poor meat quality and low carcass fat is discussed.