In vivo dopamine receptor assessment for clinical studies using positron emission tomography

A discussion is presented of techniques to determine cerebral DA-receptor function in vivo and possible (future) applications of such techniques in clinical studies. A brief summary is given on existing approaches that are of particular clinical interest. The emphasis is laid on the in vivo receptor binding techniques, which have become of clinical interest with the advent of positron emission tomography. Both possibilities and limitations of the present methods to assess DA receptors and possible relationships to pathological or behavioral manifestations are described. (author)