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Effects of electroconvulsive shock on mouse-killing behavior (muricide) in olfactory bulbectomized rats
Abstract:
We investigated the influence of electroconvulsive shock (ECS), regarded to possess an antidepressant effect clinically, on muricide in olfactory bulbectomized rats (OB rats). Muricide in these rats was markedly inhibited by ECS treatment. Five and 10 min after the termination of ECS-induced convulsions, muricide was inhibited by 100%. Even after intervals of 20 and 60 min, inhibition rates of 80% and 30% were obtained, respectively. ECS-induced muricide inhibition was remarkably antagonized by pretreatment with the alpha-blocker phenoxybenzamine but not by pretreatment with the beta-blocker sotalol. ECS-induced suppression of muricide was potentiated by repeated ECS treatment once daily for 10 days. After several applications of ECS treatment, muricide was inhibited in muricide tests done 24 hours after ECS treatment; this state persisted for up to 10 days thereafter. The results of this experiment demonstrated that ECS treatment specifically inhibited muricide in OB rats and further suggested that the cerebral noradrenergic alpha-receptor system plays an important role in this ECS-induced inhibition of muricide. Similar findings in the case of antidepressant administration, inhibition of muricide was potentiated by chronic ECS treatment. Specific inhibition of muricide in OB rats by antidepressants indicated that this phenomenon may serve as an animal model for the evaluation of antidepressant activity. Our results reiterate the usefulness of muricide in OB rats as an excellent experimental model for the assessment of antidepressant activity.
Insights
Electroconvulsive shock (ECS) effectively reduces muricide behavior in olfactory bulbectomized rats, suggesting a role for alpha-adrenergic receptors. Chronic ECS treatment enhances this antidepressant-like effect, validating the model for evaluating antidepressant activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Electroconvulsive shock (ECS) is clinically recognized for its antidepressant effects.
- Olfactory bulbectomized (OB) rats exhibit muricide behavior, often used as a model for studying depression-related behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of ECS on muricide in OB rats.
- To explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying ECS-induced inhibition of muricide.
- To assess the potential of ECS as a model for antidepressant activity evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Rats with olfactory bulb removal (OB rats) were subjected to electroconvulsive shock (ECS).
- Muricide behavior was assessed at various time points after ECS.
- The effects of alpha-blocker (phenoxybenzamine) and beta-blocker (sotalol) on ECS-induced inhibition were examined.
- Chronic ECS treatment (daily for 10 days) was administered to evaluate long-term effects.
Main Results:
- ECS markedly inhibited muricide in OB rats, with 100% inhibition at 5-10 minutes post-convulsion.
- Inhibition persisted at 80% (20 min) and 30% (60 min) after ECS.
- Alpha-blocker phenoxybenzamine antagonized ECS-induced muricide inhibition, while beta-blocker sotalol did not.
- Chronic ECS potentiated the muricide-inhibiting effect, with inhibition lasting up to 10 days post-treatment.
- ECS specifically inhibited muricide in OB rats, implicating the cerebral noradrenergic alpha-receptor system.
Conclusions:
- ECS exerts a specific inhibitory effect on muricide in OB rats.
- The cerebral noradrenergic alpha-receptor system is crucial for ECS-induced muricide inhibition.
- Chronic ECS treatment enhances and prolongs the antidepressant-like effects observed in this model.
- Muricide in OB rats serves as a valuable and validated animal model for assessing antidepressant drug efficacy.