Neuroendocrine evidence for decreased function of alpha 2-adrenergic receptor after electroconvulsive therapy.
Growth hormone (GH) and hypotensive responses to clonidine (150 micrograms, i.v.) were investigated before and after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in 16 depressed patients. Because of high baseline serum GH concentrations, results from only 10 patients could be evaluated. The level of GH secretion induced by clonidine was significantly reduced after ECT, but the hypotensive responses to clonidine remained unchanged. The results indicate downward regulation of the sensitivity of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the hypothalamus after ECT.
Balldin
J
J
Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Berggren
U
U
Lindstedt
G
G
Modigh
K
K
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D003000:Clonidine; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic; D003000:Clonidine