ADRENERGIC-RECEPTORS IN DEPRESSION EFFECTS OF ELECTROCONVULSIVE-THERAPY

Platelet .alpha.2 and lymphocyte .beta.2-adrenoceptor densities, plasma noradrenaline [norepinephrine] and serum cortisol were measured before, during and 1 wk after a course of EEG-monitored electroconvulsive therapy [ECT] in 9 depressed patients. A 50% fall in Hamilton Depression Rating scores occurred after a fairly consistent total seizure time, regardless of the amount of ECT given. Platelet .alpha.2-adrenoceptor densities showed a statistically significant fall after 3 ECT, but were unchanged after the full course of ECT and were independent of clinical change. Lymphocyte .beta.2-adrenoceptor densities were unaltered. Plasma noradrenaline concentrations were initially high and fell with ECT in a manner paralleling clinical recovery. Plasma noradrenaline may be a more useful index of central changes during antidepressant treatment than peripheral blood cell receptor densities.