Does electroconvulsive shock therapy work through opioid mechanisms?

Abstract

It is now well-established that electroconvulsive shock (ECS) is the most effective treatment for severe depression. Over the past two decades a great deal of new information has been obtained regarding its neuropharmacological basis. The present review examines evidence that the behavioural and mood-elevating actions of ECS are mediated through changes in the function of opioid receptors or their endogenous transmitters. The recent discovery of stable, non-peptide ligands for the K-and &receptor subtypes are detailed, and the prospects for a new phase of research in this area are expounded.

Investigation of the Different Types of Opioid Receptor Involved in Electroconvulsive Shock-induced Antinociception and Catalepsy in the Rat

“…Electroconvulsive shock (ECS) produces both antinociception and catalepsy in rats. These responses appear to be mediated by endogenous opioids since they are reversed by opioid antagonists (see review by Jackson & Nutt 1990). Most studies have employed the opioid antagonists naloxone and naltrexone which unfortunately cannot discriminate between the different types of opioid receptor in-vivo.…”