The autoradiographic perspective of central benzodiazepine receptors; a short review.

1. We reviewed studies performed to characterize central benzodiazepine binding sites. 2. An overview of the different radioligands used to characterize BZ1 and BZ2 binding sites and a mapping of these central benzodiazepine sites are described. 3. Saturation studies carried out by autoradiogram quantification also are reviewed. 4. The specific use of the autoradiographic technique to carry out studies on ontogeny, development, and phylogeny is discussed, as well as studies performed using this technique on some diseases and experimental conditions, such as drug treatments or chemical and mechanical lesions.