This Phase I SBIR project proposes to synthesize fluorescent probes as a novel approach to monitoring dopamine receptor mobility in brain membranes. Fluorescent compounds will be coupled to dopamine agonists (therapeutic drugs for Parkinson's disease) and antagonists (therapeutic agents for schizophrenia). The P.I. will test the affinity and selectivity of these compounds for dopamine receptors. Neural membranes at various levels of tissue organization will consequently be exposed to the fluorescent probe, photobleached by laser beam, and the recovery of fluorescence will be monitored by fluorescent microscopy. These compounds will provide much needed information on the mobility of dopamine receptors occupied by therapeutic drugs.
