Alpha 2-adrenoceptors in human forebrain: autoradiographic visualization and biochemical parameters using the agonist [3H]UK-14304

Brain Res. 1988 Dec 20;475(2):361-5. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(88)90626-9.

Abstract

The regional distribution and biochemical parameters of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in post-mortem human brain tissue were analyzed in autoradiographic and membrane binding studies, using the full agonist, [3H]UK-14304. Autoradiographic visualization of these receptors in the forebrain revealed a heterogeneous anatomical distribution with high levels in the neocortex, ventral hypothalamus, hippocampus and some thalamic nuclei, among others. In membrane binding studies, analyses of saturation curves indicated the presence of a single population of sites for [3H]UK-14304 both in the human and rat brain. There was a good correlation between the density of alpha 2-adrenoceptors obtained by both procedures. [3H]UK-14304 is a feasible ligand to localise and quantify alpha 2-adrenoceptors in human post-mortem material by autoradiographic and membrane binding techniques.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Autoradiography
  • Brimonidine Tartrate
  • Female
  • Frontal Lobe / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quinoxalines / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / metabolism*

Substances

  • Quinoxalines
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha
  • Brimonidine Tartrate