Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36)amide (GLP-1 (7-36)amide) represents a physiologically important incretin in mammals including man. Receptors for GLP-1 (7-36)amide have been described in RINm5F cells. We have solubilized active GLP-1 (7-36)amide receptors from RINm5F cell membranes utilizing the detergents octyl-β-glucoside and CHAPS; Triton X-100 and Lubrol PX were ineffective. Binding of radiolabeled GLP-1(7-36)amide to the solubilized receptor was inhibited conentration-dependently by addition of unlabeled peptide. Scatchard analysis of binding data revealed a single class of binding sites with K a = 0.26 +/- 0.03 nM and B m a x = 65.4 +/- 21.24 fmol/mg of protein for the membrane-bound receptor and K a = 22.54 +/- 4.42 μM and B m a x = 3.9 +/- 0.79 pmol/mg of protein for the solubilized receptor. The binding of the radiolabel to the solubilized receptor was dependent both on the concentrations of mono- and divalent cations and the protein/detergent ratio in the incubation buffer. The membrane bound receptor is sensitive to guanine-nucleotides, however neither GTP-γ-S nor GDP-β-S affected binding or labeled peptide to solubilized receptor. These data indicate that the solubilized receptor may have lost association with its G-protein. In conclusion, the here presented protocol allows solubilization of the GLP-1(7-36)amide receptor in a functional state and opens up the possibility for further molecular characterization of the receptor protein.