In vivo benzodiazepine receptor equilibrium dissociation constant, KD, and maximum number of binding sites, Bmax, were measured by single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) in three baboons. Animals were injected with a bolus followed by a constant i.v. infusion of the high affinity benzodiazepine ligand [123I]iomazenil. Plasma steady-state concentration and receptor–ligand equilibrium were reached within 2 and 3 h, respectively, and were sustained for the duration (4–9 h) of the experiments (n = 15). At the end of the experiments, a receptor saturating dose of flumazenil (0.2 mg/kg) was injected to measure nondisplaceable activity. Experiments were carried out at various levels of specific activity, and Scatchard analysis was performed for derivation of the KD (0.59 ± 0.09 n M) and Bmax (from 126 n M in the occipital region to 68 n M in the striatum). Two animals were killed and [125I]iomazenil Bmax and KD were measured at 22 and 37°C on occipital homogenate membranes. In vitro values of Bmax (114 ± 33 n M) and 37°C KD (0.66 ± 0.16 n M) were in good agreement with in vivo values measured by SPECT. This study demonstrates that SPECT can be used to quantify central neuroreceptors density and affinity.
Decreased density of GABA-A receptors in the left sensorimotor cortex in akinetic catatonia: investigation of in vivo benzodiazepine receptor binding