Regional distribution of flunitrazepam binding constants: visualizing Kd and Bmax by digital image analysis

Abstract

We demonstrate direct visualization of benzodiazepine binding parameters collected in a 3H-flunitrazepam saturation study. In this way the relationship between anatomy and specific binding, Kd and Bmax, can be appreciated. These experiments have resulted in image representations of specific flunitrazepam binding, Kd and Bmax. The images retain the anatomic localization inherent in the original autoradiogram and hence make these parameters amenable to visual survey. Binding constants were consistent with data presented elsewhere in the literature. The image of Bmax showed regional heterogeneity. Kd, on the other hand, was relatively homogeneous. These results demonstrate a means by which autoradiographic binding experiments can be extended to saturation studies without significant loss of data.