Effects of neonatal antithyroid treatment on brain [3H]‐imipramine binding sites

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Abstract
1 The action of the antithyroid, sulphydryl reagent methimazole (MMI) on the specific binding of [3H]-imipramine in the cerebral cortex and corpus striatum of immature and mature rats has been examined. 2 Chronic administration of MMI through the first 30 days of life decreased the number of imipramine binding sites in cortical but not striatal membranes, as assessed 48 h after the last injection of goitrogen. 3 A similar treatment did not affect the binding profile of [3H]-imipramine in mature rats. 4 Acute administration of MMI to 30 day-old rats increased the number of imipramine binding sites shortly after the injection, an effect no longer evident 48 h later. 5 MMI in vitro increased the binding of [3H]-imipramine. 6 It is concluded that maturational impairment of the hypothyroid cortex, rather than any alteration of membrane bound thiol groups, was a major cause for the diminished binding of [3H]-imipramine in MMI-treated, immature rats.