To investigate the interaction of guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) with the agonist-bound brain somatostatin (SRIF) receptor, rat brain SRIF receptor/G protein complexes were solubilized and immunoprecipitated with peptide-directed antisera selective for the different subtypes of G protein alpha subunits (G alpha). In the absence of agonist, solubilized SRIF receptor/G proteins complexes could be immunoprecipitated by antiserum 8730, which is directed against the carboxyl-terminal region of Gi alpha and recognizes all Gi alpha subtypes, and by antiserum 3646, which selectively interacts with internal regions of Gi alpha 1. In contrast, antiserum 1521, which is directed against an internal region of Gi alpha 2, and antiserum 9072, which is directed against the carboxyl-terminal region of Go alpha, did not immunoprecipitate the SRIF receptor. After the binding of agonist to solubilized SRIF receptors, antisera 9072 and 1521, as well as antisera 8730 and 3646, were able to immunoprecipitate the agonist-bound SRIF receptor/G protein complexes, indicating that agonist interaction with SRIF receptors maintained receptor association with Gi alpha 1 and promoted receptor association with Go alpha and, to a lesser extent, Gi alpha 2. Antiserum 1518, which is directed against Gi alpha 3, uncoupled SRIF receptors from Gi alpha and did not immunoprecipitate the agonist-bound or agonist-free brain SRIF receptor. These findings indicate that differences exist in the interaction of the agonist-free and agonist-bound SRIF receptors with G proteins. The binding of agonists to SRIF receptors promotes the association of the receptor with Go alpha and, to a lesser extent, Gi alpha 2, indicating that these G proteins, along with Gi alpha 1 and Gi alpha 3, may be involved in coupling SRIF receptors to cellular effector systems.