Brain serotonin critically contributes to the biological effects of electroconvulsive seizures
Authors
- G. Kronenberg
- M. Petermann
- C. Dormann
- M. Bader
- P. Gass
- R. Hellweg
- F. Klempin
Journal
- European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Citation
- Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 268 (8): 861-864
Abstract
Compounds targeting serotonin (5-HT) are widely used as antidepressants. However, the role of 5-HT in mediating the effects of electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) therapy remains undefined. Using Tph2(-/-) mice depleted of brain 5-HT, we studied the effects of ECS on behavior and neurobiology. ECS significantly prolonged the start latency in the elevated O-Maze test, an effect that was abolished in Tph2(-/-) mice. Furthermore, in the absence of 5-HT, the ECS-induced increase in adult neurogenesis and in brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling in the hippocampus were significantly reduced. Our results indicate that brain 5-HT critically contributes to the neurobiological responses to ECS.