Electroconvulsive shock increases tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the brain and adrenal gland of the rat.
A single application of electroconvulsive shock produced a rapid but short-lasting increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity above control values in the rat adrenal medulla and striatum. After repeated electroconvulsive shock treatment (once per day for 7 days), tyrosine hydroxylase activity increased significantly in the locus ceruleus, nucleus of the tractus solitarius, hippocampus, cerebellum, and frontal cortex and remained elevated for 4 to 8 days. Adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase activity increased 1 day after the termination of repeated electroconvulsive shock treatments and remained elevated for at least 24 days, possibly reflecting the establishment of a new and higher steady-state level of catecholamine biosynthesis in the adrenal. These findings suggest that the persistent changes in tyrosine hydroxylase activity produced by repeated electroconvulsive shock may be a factor contributing to the long-lasting antidepressant effects of this treatment.
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000201:enzymology*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000201:enzymology*; D003342:Corpus Striatum / Q000201:enzymology; D004597:Electroshock; D004790:Enzyme Induction; D008125:Locus Coeruleus / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013997:Time Factors; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000378:metabolism*
D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase