Localization and characterization of vasopressin-binding sites in the amygdala of the rat brain.

Putative receptors for arginine-vasopressin (AVP) in rat brain were localized and characterized using autoradiographic and radioligand-binding techniques. When brain slices were incubated with tritium-labeled vasopressin, an intense concentration of binding sites was identified which included the medial aspects of the amygdala. Binding of labeled AVP to membrane preparations from this brain region was saturable, specific, reversible, and of high affinity. An antagonist of the peripheral pressor activity of vasopressin was found to be a potent competitor for binding to this site.