The role of central noradrenergic neurons in electroconvulsive shock-induced muricide inhibition in olfactory bulbectomized rats.

In order to elucidate the role of central monoaminergic neurons in electroconvulsive shock (ECS)-induced muricide inhibition in the olfactory bulbectomized rat (OB rat), we examined the effect of chemical or electrical lesions of each monoamine-containing neuron on ECS-induced muricide inhibition. ECS-induced muricide inhibition was antagonized by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment and locus coeruleus lesions, while it was unaffected by desipramine + 6-OHDA, substantia nigra lesion, and desipramine + 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine. The present results strongly suggest that ECS-induced muricide inhibition of the OB rat is due to increased activity of the noradrenaline but not of dopamine and serotonin neurons.