Quantification of in vivo binding of [3H]RX 821002 in rat brain: Evaluation as a radioligand for central α2-adrenoceptors

Abstract

On the basis of its established in vitro characteristics, [³H]RX 821002 was evaluated in rats as an in vivo radioligand for central α₂-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 α₂-antagonists, idazoxan or yohimbine, the α₂-agonist, clonidine, or the α₁-antagonist, prazosin. Pretreatment of the rats with the selective neurotoxin, DSP-4, had no significant effect on [³H]RX 821002 binding, suggesting that the majority of labelled sites were situated post-junctionally. The studies indicate that [³H]RX 821002 can be used experimentally as an in vivo marker for central α₂-adrenoceptors. The size and rate of expression of the specific signal encourage the development and assessment of [¹¹C]RX 821002 for clinical PET studies.