Localization of neurotensin NTS2 receptors in rat brain, using [H-3]levocabastine

The brain localization of the neurotensin receptor NTS2 was studied with [H -3]levocabastine, using an autoradiographic procedure. This study suggests that NTS2 receptors are mainly intracellular. High densities of binding sit es were observed in the cingulate, insular, temporal, occipital, enthorhina l cortex, amygdaloid complex, septohippocampal nuclei, medial thalamus, mam millary bodies and superior colliculi; a moderate labelling was observed in the anterior and medial hippocampus, olfactory tubercle, hypothalamus, per iaqueductal gray matter, caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, septum, latera l thalamus, dorsal raphe nucleus and cerebellum; finally, a low labelling w as apparent in the ventral tegmentum area and substantia nigra. Thus it app ears that NTS2 receptors are particularly abundant in the cerebral cortex, the limbic areas and some areas involved in pain perception. NeuroReport 12 :1087-1091 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.