We have characterized the thromboxane (TX) A2/prostaglandin (PG) H2 receptor in glomeruli isolated from the rat using the agonist radioligand [125I]-BOP. Binding of [125I]-BOP was highly specific, stereoselective, and to a single class of high affinity binding sites (Kd = 1.16 +/- 0.22 nM and Bmax = 348 +/- 32 fmol/mg protein; n = 6). Binding of [125I]-BOP was competed for by the agonist ONO11113 (Kd = 50.8 +/- 8.0 nM; n = 4) and the antagonists SQ29548 (Kd = 15.8 +/- 1.0 nM; n = 3), L657925 (Kd = 12.1 +/- 2.2 nM; n = 3) and L657926 (Kd = 1642 +/- 135 nM; n = 3). I-BOP also produced a TXA2/PGH2 receptor-mediated rise in [Ca2+]i in isolated glomeruli In adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome in the rat, the development of proteinuria is reported to be dependent on increased renal TXA2 production. We therefore examined whether or not changes in glomerular TXA2/PGH2 receptors occur between control and nephrotic rats. No changes in expression or affinity of either glomerular or platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptors were observed. Kd and Bmax values for isolated glomeruli were 1.45 +/- 0.24 nM and 406 +/- 72 fmol/mg for controls and 1.22 +/- 0.25 nM and 321 +/- 62 fmol/mg for nephrotic rats (n = 6).