[11C]N-propylnorapomorphine

[11C]N-propylnorapomorphine ([11C]NPA) is a highly potent radiolabeled dopamine receptor agonist used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to assess the functional state of dopamine receptors in the brain. Unlike traditional D2/D3 receptor antagonists like [11C]raclopride, which bind to both the high- and low-affinity states of the receptor, [11C]NPA selectively binds with high affinity to the G-protein-coupled "active" state (high-affinity state) of dopamine D2 and D3 receptors. This property allows researchers to investigate the proportion of receptors available for signaling, providing a more sensitive measure of dopaminergic system fluctuations in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The molecule is an aporphine derivative that undergoes radiolabeling with Carbon-11 for clinical research applications, primarily in the study of Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.

Other names

[11C]N-n-propylnorapomorphineCarbon-11 N-propylnorapomorphineCarbon11 N-propylnorapomorphineCarbon 11 N-propylnorapomorphineR-(-)-[11C]N-n-propylnorapomorphine