Are ascending noradrenergic and serotonergic pathways necessary for effects of electroconvulsive treatment? Clonidine hypothermia and forced swim study.

Are ascending noradrenergic and serotonergic pathways necessary for effects of electroconvulsive treatment? Clonidine hypothermia and forced swim study. W. DANYSZ , W. KOSTOWSKI, M. HAUPTMANN, A. BIDZINSKI. Pol. J. Pharmacol. Pharm., 1989, 41, 15-22. Influence of chemical lesions to the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (intracerebral 6-OHDA injection, systemic administration of DSP-4) and serotonergic raphe system (intracerebral 5,7-DHT) on some effects produced by electroconvulsive shock (ECS) was studied. Administration of ECS slightly but significantly attenuated clonidine (CLO)-induced hypothermia and reduced rats immobility in forced swim test. DSP-4 reduced ECS action on CLO hypothermia remaining without effect upon ECS action in the second test. Other lesions were ineffective in both tests. This finding is in contrast to results obtained previously in animals receiving desipramine. The possible difference between ECS and antidepressant drugs action is discussed.