title: The quantitative autoradiographic distribution of [3H]MK-801 binding sites in the normal human brainstem in relation to motor neuron disease.
abstract: The distribution of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the normal human brainstem has been investigated using MK-801. Specific [3H]MK-801 binding showed a heterogeneous distribution, the greatest density of binding sites being found in the substantia nigra, locus coeruleus, and the hypoglossal and inferior olivary nuclei. Brainstem motor nuclei subserving eye movements, which tend to be spared in motor neuron disease (MND), had significantly lower densities of binding compared to other cranial nerve motor nuclei (V, VII, X, XII) which tend to be affected. The anatomical distribution of NMDA receptors may be one factor determining selective vulnerability to excitotoxic injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Ince
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Candy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001345:Autoradiography; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000378:metabolism*; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008125:Locus Coeruleus / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000378:metabolism*; D009847:Olivary Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D012016:Reference Values; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000378:metabolism; D014316:Tritium
chemical_list: D014316:Tritium; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate