QUANTIFICATION OF INVIVO BINDING OF [H-3] RX 821002 IN RAT-BRAIN - EVALUATION AS A RADIOLIGAND FOR CENTRAL ALPHA-2-ADRENOCEPTORS

On the basis of its established in vitro characteristics, [H-3]RX 821002 was evaluated in rats as an in vivo radioligand for central alpha2-adrenoceptors. Estimates for in vivo binding potential, obtained by compartmental analyses of time-radioactivity data, ranged between 1.9 for hypothalamus and 0.2 for cerebellum, with a regional distribution in brain which was similar to that observed in vitro. Selectivity and specificity of the signal were checked by predosing with either the alpha2-antagonists, idazoxan or yohimbine, the alpha2-agonist, clonidine, or the alpha1-antagonist, prazosin. Pretreatment of the rats with the selective neurotoxin, DSP-4, had no significant effect on [H-3]RX 821002 binding, suggesting that the majority of labelled sites were situated post-junctionally. The studies indicate that [H-3]RX 821002 can be used experimentally as an in vivo marker for central alpha2-adrenoceptors. The size and rate of expression of the specific signal encourage the development and assessment of [C-11]RX 821002 for clinical PET studies.