Identification of subtypes of [3H]prazosin-labelled alpha 1 receptor binding sites in rat brain.

Detailed antagonist competition curves for [3H]prazosin-labelled binding sites in rat cerebral cortex membranes reveal anomalous binding characteristics. Dihydroergocryptine and indoramine compete in a steep, monophasic manner while WB4101 and phentolamine exhibit shallow competition curves. Computer-assisted analysis of binding data indicate that both WB4101 and phentolamine discriminate identical subpopulations of [3H]prazosin binding sites, which each comprise approximately 50% of specific [3H]prazosin binding. These data suggest the presence of subtypes of [3H]prazosin-labelled alpha 1 adrenergic receptors in rat cerebral cortex.