Ontogeny of adenosine binding sites in rat forebrain and cerebellum

The metabolically stable adenosine analogue N6-cyclohexyl [3H]adenosine ([3H]CHA) was used to label adenosine receptors in rat forebrain and cerebellum during development. [3H]CHA binding develops rather slowly, with adult binding levels obtained at 24 days in cerebellum and later in the forebrain. Ontogenic profiles in both areas are consistent with the onset of neuronal differentiation. High and low affinity sites appear to develop in parallel, since Scatchard analysis in forebrain tissue obtained from 5-day-old animals revealed both binding sites.