Journal of Neuroscience, Vol 4, 1764-1770, Copyright © 1984 by Society for Neuroscience
Localization and characterization of vasopressin-binding sites in the amygdala of the rat brain
DM Dorsa, FM Petracca, DG Baskin and LE Cornett
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.