Regional distribution of the dopamine D2 receptors in the mesotelencephalic dopamine neuron system of human brain.

Using the [3H]spiroperidol binding technique, we performed a regional distribution of the D2 receptors in the human mesotelencephalic dopamine neuron system. D2 receptors were found in decreasing order of concentration in caudate nucleus greater than putamen greater than nucleus accumbens greater than globus pallidus greater than amygdala greater than substantia nigra. D2 receptors could not be detected in any cortical region. The nigrostriatal and mesolimbic components of the mesotelencephalic dopamine neuron system are easily to reconstitute. If there exists a mesocortical component in man, its actions appear not to be mediated by D2 receptors.