Acetylcholinesterase activity in the pons and medulla oblongata of rats after chronic electroconvulsive shock
| Autor: | R. Camarini, M.A.C. Benedito |
|---|---|
| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 1997 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, Vol 30, Iss 10, p 1215 (1997) |
| Druh dokumentu: | article |
| ISSN: | 0100-879X 1414-431X |
| DOI: | 10.1590/S0100-879X1997001000012 |
| Popis: | An imbalance between cholinergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission has been proposed for the etiology of affective disorders. According to this hypothesis, depression would be the result of enhanced cholinergic and reduced noradrenergic neurotransmission. Repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) is an effective treatment for depression; moreover, in laboratory animals it induces changes in brain noradrenergic neurotransmission similar to those obtained by chronic treatment with antidepressant drugs (down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors). The aim of the present study was to determine whether repeated ECS in rats changes acetylcholinesterase (Achase) activity. Achase controls the level of acetylcholine (Ach) in the synaptic cleft and its levels seem to be regulated by the interaction between Ach and its receptor. Thus, a decrease in Achase activity would suggest decreased cholinergic activity. Adult male Wistar rats received one ECS (80 mA, 0.2 s, 60 Hz) daily for 7 days. Control rats were handled in the same way without receiving the shock. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last ECS and membrane-bound and soluble Achase activity was assayed in homogenates obtained from the pons and medulla oblongata. A statistically significant decrease in membrane-bound Achase activity (nmol thiocholine formed min-1 mg protein-1) (control 182.6 ± 14.8, ECS 162.2 ± 14.2, P |
| Databáze: | Directory of Open Access Journals |
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