Specific binding of 3H-SCH 23390 to dopamine D1 receptors in vivo.

The binding of 3H-SCH 23390 was studied in vivo in the mouse brain. The binding was saturable, reversible and stereospecific. The level of nonspecific binding was 5-15% of total binding. Pharmacological characterization revealed binding of 3H-SCH 23390 to D1 receptors. Thus, dopaminergic antagonists known to possess D1 affinity, e.g., SCH 23390 itself, cis-flupentixol and (+)-butaclamol, were potent inhibitors of the 3H-SCH 23390 binding. On the other hand, high doses of D2 selective compounds were required to inhibit the 3H-SCH 23390 binding. These results indicate that 3H-SCH 23390 is a ligand of choice for in vivo studies of D1 receptors.