To observe the density changes of the dopamine transporters (DAT) and receptors in MPTP treated mouse model. Mice ( n =30) were given i.v. injections of 30mg/kg MPTP for 1
3
5
7 days respectively
and in vivo autoradiographic experiments were performed in the striatum using β-CIT for DAT
and IBZM for D 2R. Results showed that a significant decrease of 125 I-β-CIT binding was observed in the early phase
while no dramatic change occurred in 125 I-IBZM binding
but D 2R showed supersensitivity in the later stage. Thus combined imaging of DAT and D 2R may provide a valuable information for clinical and differential diagnosis of PD and assessment of the magnitude of degeneration of nigrastriatum.