Photoaffinity labeling of neurotensin binding sites on rat brain sections.

The photoaffinity labeling of neurotensin (NT) binding sites was carried out on rat midbrain sections using a monoiodo analogue of NT (125I-azidobenzoyl [Trp11] NT; 125IAB-NT). Autoradiographic data showed that the 125IAB-NT binding site localization was quite similar to that obtained with 125I-NT, with high densities in both substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Covalent specific binding was only observed when sections were irradiated with UV after the incubation, followed by various histological treatments necessary for light and electron microscopy.