Abstract
Repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) exposure produced a decrease of [ 3H]SCH 23390 binding sites and a reduced response of adenylate cyclase activity to dopamine D-1 receptor stimulation in the rat limbic area analogous to that previously observed in rats chronically treated with imipramine. These effects were completely prevented by the repeated administration of a small dose of α-methyl-p-tyrosine (α-MPT), associated with the tricyclic compound. Increased dopaminergic transmission seems to be involved in the mechanism of antidepressant action. Rats chronically treated with imipramine showed a decrease of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) concentration restricted to the limbic area. Finally, both imipramine and desipramine blocked the uptake of [ 3H]dopamine in the limbic system with a 100-fold greater potency than that observed in the basal ganglia.
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