Upregulation of brain benzodiazepine receptors by electroconvulsive shocks

Locomotor activity and footshock-induced aggressive behaviour in rat was decreased in a dose-dependent manner by diazepam. These effects were significantly potentiated by chronic electroconvulsive shock (ECS). Specific 3H-diazepam binding showed an upregulation of benzodiazepine receptors in the rat frontal cortex by ECS. This upregulation can explain the decreased therapeutic benefit observed in patients receiving both benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive shocks.