Increased neurogenesis in a model of electroconvulsive therapy

Summary, in English

BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a widely used and efficient treatment modality in psychiatry, although the basis for its therapeutic effect is still unknown. Past research has shown seizure activity to be a regulator of neurogenesis in the adult brain. This study examines the effect of a single and multiple electroconvulsive seizures on neurogenesis in the rat dentate gyrus. METHODS: Rats were given either a single or a series of 10 electroconvulsive seizures. At different times after the seizures, a marker of proliferating cells, Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), was administered to the animals. Subsequently, newborn cells positive for BrdU were counted in the dentate gyrus. Double staining with a neuron-specific marker indicated that the newborn cells displayed a neuronal phenotype. RESULTS: A single electroconvulsive seizure significantly increased the number of new born cells in the dentate gyrus. These cells survived for at least 3 months. A series of seizures further increased neurogenesis, indicating a dose-dependent mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that generation of new neurons in the hippocampus may be an important neurobiologic element underlying the clinical effects of electroconvulsive seizures.

• Författare: T M Madsen; Alexandra Treschow; Johan Bengzon; T G Bolwig; Olle Lindvall; Anders Tingström
• Avdelning/ar: Immunology; Neurokirurgi; Wallenberg Neuroscience Centre, Lund; Psykiatri, Lund; Enheten för psykiatrisk neuromodulering (PNU)
• Publiceringsår: 2000
• Språk: Engelska
• Sidor: 1043-1049
• Publikation/Tidskrift/Serie: Biological Psychiatry
• Volym: 47
• Issue: 12
• Länkar: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3223(00)00228-6
• Dokumenttyp: Artikel i tidskrift
• Förlag: Elsevier
• Ämne: Neurosciences; Psychiatry
• Status: Published
• Forskningsgrupp: Immunology; Psychiatric Neuromodulation Unit (PNU)
• ISBN/ISSN/Övrigt: ISSN: 0006-3223