DISRUPTIVE EFFECTS OF ELECTROCONVULSIVE SHOCK AS A FUNCTION OF CURRENT LEVEL AND MODE OF DELIVERY

Tested 1042 mice from 2 strains on a passive avoidance situation at several levels of foot shock. ECS at current levels from 5-80 ma. was applied within 10 sec. of foot shock by 1 of 4 procedures: (1) eyes cup-shaped electrodes were applied to each eye; (2) ears spring pressure clips were attached to the ears; (3) cross a spring clip was attached to the left ear and a cup electrode applied to the right eye; and (4) same a spring clip was attached to the right ear and a cup electrode applied to the right eye. The mode of delivery, the ECS current level, and the footshock intensity interacted to determine the amount of disruption exhibited when the animal was tested 24 hr. later. The amount of disruption was inversely related to the resistance of the path between the 2 electrodes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.