[Biochemical effects of electroconvulsotherapy].

ECT and ECS biochemical, pharmacological and electrophysiological effects on Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Acetylcholine, GABA and Opiates are reviewed. ECS and ECT seem to potentiate behavioral responses to Serotoninergic and Dopaminergic agonists, and up-regulate post-synaptic 5-HT2 receptors. However, the mechanism of the antidepressant effect remains unknown and probably involves several interacting neurotransmitters.