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Title: Localization and characterization of (/sup 3/H)desmethylimipramine binding sites in rat brain by quantitative autoradiography

Journal Article · · J. Neurosci.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5744563

The high affinity binding sites for the antidepressant desmethlyimipramine (DMI) have been localized in rat brain by quantitative autoradiography. There are high concentrations of binding sites in the locus ceruleus, the anterior ventral thalamus, the ventral portion of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the paraventricular and the dorsomedial nuclei of the hypothalamus. The distribution of DMI binding sites is in striking accord with the distribution of norepinephrine terminals. Pretreatment of rats with the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine, which causes a selective degeneration of catecholamine terminals, results in 60 to 90% decrease in DMI binding. These data support the idea that high affinity binding sites for DMI are located on presynaptic noradrenergic terminals.

Research Organization:
Department of Pharmacology II, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, New Jersey
OSTI ID:
5744563
Journal Information:
J. Neurosci.; (United States), Vol. 3:5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English