Synaptic Concentration of Dopamine in Rat Striatal Slices in Relationship to $[^3H]$Raclopride Binding to the Dopamine $D_2$ Receptor

The in vivo binding of dopamine (DA) radioligands to $D_2$receptors can be affected by competition with endogenous dopamine. In the present study, we used a brain slice preparation that provides more controlled conditions than in vivo preparations in order to examine the relationship between synaptic DA and the binding of [$^3H$] raclopride to $D_2$receptors. We also estimated the synaptic DA concentration in rat striatal slices by determining the changes in [$^3H$] raclopride binding. To correlate the changes in [$^3$H]raclopride binding with the concentration of synaptic DA, the kinetic parameters were determined. [$^3H$] Raclopride reached equilibrium binding conditions within two hours. The K value for DA in inhibiting [$^3$H]raclopride binding was about 2.2 nM. The increase in synaptic DA evoked by electrical stimulation decreased the striatal binding of [$^3H$] raclopride in a frequency-dependent manner. Increases in the DA concentration evoked by amphetamine (AMPH) or cocaine decreased [$^3H$] raclopride binding by 74% or 20%, respectively, corresponding to increases in the synaptic DA concentrations of 1.6 nM or 0.6 nM, respectively. Pargyline also decreased [$^3H$] raclopride binding by 36%corresponding at a concentration of 1.2 nM. In contrast, the depletion of synaptic DA by $\alpha$-methyl-p-tyrosine ($\alpha$-MpT) increased the specific binding of [$^3H$] raclopride by 43%when the DA concentration was decreased to 0.7 nM. The changes in the DA concentration at the synapse were responsible for the changes in the striatal binding of [$^3H$] raclopride. The values calculated in this study may therefore approximate the changes in the synaptic DA concentration in rat striatal slices following manipulation.