Autoradiographic localization of dopamine D2 receptors in the rat brain using the new agonist [3H]N-0437.

The selective dopamine D2 agonist [3H]N-0437 was used to label dopamine receptors in vitro in slide-mounted rat brain microtome sections. The characteristics of the binding of [3H]N-0437 to tissue section were similar to those observed previously in membrane preparations and indicated that this ligand labels sites with the properties of a dopamine D2 receptor. The regional distribution of these receptors was examined by autoradiography and quantified by computer-assisted microdensitometry. The highest densities of [3H]N-0437 sites were observed in the nucleus caudate-putamen, accumbens, olfactory tubercle, island of Calleja and the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb. Lower densities of binding sites were seen in stratum griseum superficialis of the superior colliculus, substantia nigra pars compacta and area ventral tegmental, entorhinal cortex and in the molecular layer of the 9th and 10th lobules of the cerebellum. Very low densities were seen in the neocortex and hippocampal formation. The density of [3H]N-0437 binding sites in the rat striatum are higher than those observed with other dopamine D2 [3H]agonists and comparable to those seen with [3H]antagonists. [3H]N-0437 is a new useful tool for the anatomical localization of dopamine D2 receptors in brain.