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Updated: May 26, 2026
09:07
Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins
Published on: August 15, 2017
Is serotonergic function associated with the antidepressant effects of modified-electroconvulsive therapy?
Shinjiro Goto1, Takeshi Terao, Nobuhiko Hoaki
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasamamachi, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan. goto@oita-u.ac.jp
Journal of Affective Disorders
|December 16, 2011
Summary
Modified electroconvulsive therapy (m-ECT) improved depression but did not alter central serotonergic function. This suggests that ECT
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Central serotonergic function's role in depression is complex.
- The impact of modified electroconvulsive therapy (m-ECT) on this system remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of m-ECT on central serotonergic function.
- To utilize neuroendocrine challenge tests for assessing serotonergic activity.
Main Methods:
- Study included 16 inpatients with major depressive disorder undergoing m-ECT.
- Neuroendocrine challenge tests were conducted pre- and post-m-ECT treatment.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in depressive symptoms was observed post-m-ECT.
- No significant changes in central serotonergic function were detected.
Conclusions:
- Antidepressant effects of m-ECT may not be directly mediated by changes in serotonergic function.
- Limitations include an open-label design, small sample size, and lack of a control group.
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