Transcranial electrostimulation effects on rat opioid and neurotransmitter levels

A specific form of Transcranial Electrostimulation Treatment (TCET) has been shown to induce analgesia, alleviate symptoms of opiate withdrawal and alter nociceptive responses in neurons in the midbrain and hypothalamus of rats. TCET consists of a 10Hz, charge balanced, 10 mu A current passed for 30 minutes between electrodes placed in the ears. Both serotonin (5HT) and endogenous opioids have been strongly implicated in TCET responses. This study directly measured brain levels of several neurotransmitters and their metabolites in anesthetized rats stimulated with either 10 mu A TCET or 0 mu A (Sham). Neurotransmitters measured in selected homogenized brain areas by high performance liquid chromatography were 5HT and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5HIAA); norepinephrine (NE) and its metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenethyleneglycol (MHPG); and dopamine (DA). Levels of NE and DA were significantly higher in the hypothalamic region of TCET rats than of control rats. The midbrains of TCET rats contained significantly elevated levels of DA, MHPG, 5HT and 5HIAA. In the hindbrain no significant differences were observed. Thus, TCET appears to cause an increase in the synthesis or release of 5HT, DA and NE in the midbrain and DA and 5HT in the hypothalamus. In a separate experiment, beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity was measured in blood plasma taken from rats at intervals before, during and after a 30 minute TCET treatment, but no demonstrable TCET effect was observed. The lack of change in serum endorphin levels suggests that TCET-induced opioid activity may be confined to the central nervous system, a reasonable theory because the current passes only through the head.