Effects of electroconvulsive shock on noradrenergic and serotonergic receptors in rat brain

It is likely that both noradrenalin and serotonin neurotransmission are important in the pathophysiology of depression and to its treatment. In particular, certain receptors for these neurotransmitters are altered by repeated treatment with both antidepressant drugs and electroconvulsive shock. This paper reviews the effects of electroconvulsive shock on alpha-1-adrenergic, beta-adrenergic, and serotonin-2 receptors in rat brain, and compares these effects to those produced by anti-depressant drugs. The similarities and differences in the effects of antidepressant drugs and electroconvulsive shock in rat brain may provide clues for the development of more effective treatments for depression and could single out targets for future investigation of the pathophysiology of depression in patients when safe methods are developed.