2-Iodoimipramine, a novel ligand for the serotonin transporter
Humphreys, C.J.; Cassel, D.; Rudnick, G.
Molecular Pharmacology 36(4): 620-626
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-895X PMID: 2811859 Document Number: 332455
Iodoimipramine was synthesized by iodinating imipramine with ICI. Iodoimipramine competitively inhibits [3H]imipramine binding with a KI of 0.52 nM and also inhibits [3H]serotonin transport competitively, suggesting that serotonin, imipramine, and iodoimipramine all bind to the same site on the serotonin transporter. Association of [125I]iodoimipramine to platelet membranes in Na+ requires 20 min to reach equilibrium at 25 degrees and 1.5 hr at 0 degrees. [125I] Iodoimipramine binding at equilibrium is saturable and Na+ dependent, with a KD of 0.58 nM and a Bmax of 1.3 pmol/mg at 25 degrees. Serotonin competitively inhibits [125I]iodoimipramine binding, with a KI of 1.3 microM. [125I]Iodoimipramine bound at 0 degrees in the presence of Na+ does not dissociate unless the temperature is raised or Na+ is removed from the medium. At 25 degrees, dissociation of [125I] iodoimipramine from platelet membranes in the presence of Na+ is only partial, with 40% of the ligand remaining persistently bound over 5 hr after a 50-fold dilution.