title: Quantitative autoradiography of transmitter binding sites with an image analyzer.
abstract: A computerized image processing system for quantitative receptor autoradiography on tritium-sensitive film is described. The method implements an image analyzer (IBAS 1 + 2) for the acquisition of an image which is evaluated with respect to the regional distribution of binding site densities by a small computer which is connected to a digitizer. Several methodological problems must be considered when using tritium-labelled compounds and an image analyzer. The use of tissue standards and shading procedures, the improvement of signal-to-noise ratio, the calibration of the system which establishes the non-linear relation between grey values and concentration of radioactivity, the contrast enhancement and the quenching problem are discussed. This method permits a quick and precise quantitative analysis of binding site distribution in receptor autoradiography.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography / Q000379:methods*; D001665:Binding Sites; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008024:Ligands / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008024:Ligands; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D012701:Serotonin