Reversible inhibition of specific 3H-spiroperidol binding by heavy metal ions in rat striatum

Four divalent heavy metals interact with neural membranes from rat striatum in vitro to inhibit ligand binding of dopamine receptors as labelled by ³H-spiroperidol, a dopamine antagonist. Their relative inhibitory potencies in decreasing order are as follows: copper > lead > cadmium > mercury. Copper exhibited an IC50 value of 6.7 x 10^-6 M is the most potent in competing with 2.5 x 10^-8 M ³H-spiroperidol for receptor binding. Equilibrium …