Photoaffinity labeling of benzodiazepine-receptors: Possible mechanism of reaction

Photoaffinity labeling of brain benzodiazepine-receptors with ³H]flunitrazepam (³H]FNZ) results in the covalent linking of the ligand to ³H]FNZ-binding site. The major findings in benzodiazepine-receptor studies employing photoaffinity labeling are described; the covalent linking of ³H]FNZ is compared to its reversible binding; and a mechanism for the labeling reaction is postulated.