Direct visualization and cellular localization of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in rat forebrain by use of fluorescent ligands.

The regional and cellular localization of the two subtypes of dopamine receptors, D1 and D2, have been ascertained in rat forebrain by use of fluorescent dopaminergic antagonist ligands. (R,S)-5-(4'-aminophenyl)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3- methyl-[1H]-3-benzazepin-7-ol, the 4'-amino derivative of the high-affinity D1-specific antagonist SCH 23390, and the D2 selective antagonist N-(p-aminophenethyl)spiperone were chemically derivatized using the fluorescent compound tetramethylrhodamine. The modification of these antagonist ligands has allowed the specific, cellular resolution of the D1 and D2 receptor binding sites in intact, highly organized regions of forebrain slices in a very rapid experimental time frame. The regional localization of receptors labeled by the fluorescent probes is in agreement with previous receptor autoradiography studies. Moreover, the specific cellular binding patterns for both receptors can now be compared and contrasted to one another in the same tissue by using these fluorescent ligands. D1 receptor sites are most evident within the striatum and exhibit regions of intense "patch" fluorescence corresponding to receptor reactivity in cells and their processes. The distribution of D1 receptor binding is highly analogous to the pattern of dopamine terminal histofluorescence in the caudate nucleus. D2 receptor sites are less prevalent overall and may be localized to a subpopulation of the D1 fluorescent neurons in the caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens regions.