Role of serotonin3 receptors in prolactin release induced by electroconvulsive therapy: a study with ondansetron

The effect of pretreatment with odansetron on prolactin (PRL) release induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was examined in 16 depressive patients in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Ten patients were pretreated with 4 mg and the other six with 8 mg of ondansetron. The order of administration of study medication (ondansetron and placebo) was counterbalanced. The failure of ondansetron to attenuate ECT-induced PRL release suggested that serotonin3 receptors are not involved in mediating this response.