[ 3H]clonidine binds at multiple high affinity states in human prefrontal cortex

[ 3H]Clonidine binds at particulate membrane fractions of human prefrontal cortex in a process that demonstrates high affinity, saturability, reversebility, α 2-adrenergic selectivity and the existence of multiple affinity states. At 37°C maximal specific [ 3H]clonidine binding was briefly attained at 10 and lasted only until 15 min, while at 21°C maximal binding was maintained from 20 to 90 min. At 21°C, rate dissociation studies and saturation analyses were at least biphasic, and adrenergic competitors decreased [ 3H]clonidine binding with Hill coefficients (−)-epinephrine > (−) > yohimbine > (+)-norepinephrine > (±) -isoproterenol > prazosin > serotonin.