The effect of single and repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) on locomotor activity in rats

Locomotor activity following administration of apomorphine (0.1 mg/kg), and amphetamine (1 mg/kg) was studied in rats receiving single and multiple electroconvulsive shock (ECS). Three groups of rats were utilized, one half of each group received sham treatment and the other half received either 1,5, or 10 daily ECS. Significant enhancement of the locomotor response to amphetamine, but not apomorphine, was seen in rats given repeated ECS as compared to controls. This study suggests that the number of ECS, is an important variable in ECS enhancement of locomotor response to amphetamine.