Chronic electroconvulsive treatment enhances the density of [3H]prazosin binding sites in the central nervous system of the rat.

Chronic electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) given daily for 10 days enhanced the density of [3H]prazosin binding sites in the membranes from the spinal cord and cerebral cortex of the rat 24 h after the last shock. Similar effect (investigated only in cortical membranes) was produced by spaced ECT (5 shocks at 72 h intervals). The effect was preceded by a decrease in the density of [3H]prazosin binding sites, observed 2 h after the last shock and disappeared within 48 h.