SEROTONIN NOREPINEPHRINE AND 3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYLETHYLAMINE IN RAT BRAIN PARTS FOLLOWING ELECTROCONVULSIVE SHOCK

A study was designed with the objective of determining the influence of either single or multiple convulsive electric shocks or the stress of the shock situation on the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine in discrete rat brain parts. Elevations of all three amines were observed following single or multiple electroconvulsive shocks. The significant elevations were nearly brain part specific for the different amines as were the temporal patterns of elevation. The results suggest that the observed changes are related in part to the stress of the shock situation and they may be cautiously interpreted to be consonant with the speculation that the therapeutic effect of ECT may be in some manner related to an induced elevation of either serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. © 1968.