Localization and measurement of neurotransmitter receptors in rat and human brain by quantitative autoradiography.

Abstract

Receptors for neurotransmitters can be visualized and characterized using in vitro tissue slice binding techniques and quantitative autoradiography. In this article, the general methods used in studies of this type are outlined and specific application to the study of catecholamine and neuropeptide receptors in rat and human brain tissue are described. Receptor autoradiography is used to examine regulation of dopamine receptor density in response to denervation and replacement of dopamine using brain transplants. Morphological and pharmacological aspects of vasopressin receptor ontogeny in the rat brain are examined. Finally, autoradiographic data on catecholamine receptor localization and characterization in the human hypothalamus, locus coeruleus, and frontal cortex are presented and discussed with reference to their applications in the study of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

• Authors: G N Ko, B J Wilcox, F M Petracca, M A Miller, M M Murburg, D G Baskin, D M Dorsa
• Journal: Computerized medical imaging and graphics : the official journal of the Computerized Medical Imaging Society (Comput Med Imaging Graph) 1989 Jan-Feb Vol. 13 Issue 1 Pg. 37-45 ISSN: 0895-6111 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2538220 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha
• Receptors, Angiotensin
• Receptors, Dopamine
• Receptors, Neurotransmitter
• Receptors, Vasopressin

Topics

• Animals
• Autoradiography
• Brain (metabolism)
• Culture Techniques
• Frontal Lobe (metabolism)
• Humans
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
• Limbic System (metabolism)
• Locus Coeruleus (metabolism)
• Male
• Rats
• Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha (metabolism)
• Receptors, Angiotensin (metabolism)
• Receptors, Dopamine (metabolism)
• Receptors, Neurotransmitter (metabolism)
• Receptors, Vasopressin
• Schizophrenia (metabolism)
• Substantia Nigra (embryology, metabolism)