Localization of 2-( super(125)I)iodomelatonin binding sites in mammalian retina

Specific melatonin binding sites were localized in the mammalian retina using the selective radioligand 2-( super(125)I)iodomelatonin. In eyecups from albino rabbits, the highest density of specific 2-( super(125)I)iodomelatonin binding sites was localized over the inner plexiform layer. A high density of binding sites was observed over the choroid and retinal pigmented epithelium, but no statistical difference between total and nonspecific binding was detected. Albino mice showed a significant extent of 2-( super(125)I)iodomelatonin binding in both the inner plexiform and the outer and inner segment layers.