Autoradiographic localization of peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites in the cat brain with [ 3H]PK 11195

“Peripheral type” benzodiazepine binding sites were labelled in cat brain membranes by using [ 3H]PK 11195. This ligand binds to the “peripheral type” binding sites in a reversible, specific and saturable manner. Cat brain binding sites density (6̃ pmol/mg prot.) was higher than in the rat. Pharmacological specificity was demonstrated by the potency order of displacing agents: PK 11195 > RO5-4864 > dipyridamole > diazepam > clonazepam. A similar characterization was performed in slide mounted brain sections where [ 3H]PK 11195 also labelled the “peripheral type” benzodiazepine binding sites. The high percentage of specific binding (80%) at 1 nM of [ 3H[PK 11195 made possible the autoradiographic studies on binding sites distribution. These sites were heterogeneously distributed in the grey matter and absent in white matter. Visual, auditory and other specific sensory relay stations were highly labelled. The blood pressure regulating nuclei, the vestibulo-cerebellar and the extrapyramidal motor system also presented a very high binding density. As previously described in the rat brain, choroid plexus was also strongly labelled by [ 3H]PK 11195 in the cat.