Electroshock-induced increase in [3H]prazosin binding to cortical membranes in reserpinized rats.

Chronic, spaced electroconvulsive shock (ECS, 6 treatments at 72 h intervals) produced a moderate (16%) increase in the density of [3H]prazosin binding sites to rat cerebral cortical membranes. The increase was of borderline significance (0.1 greater than P greater than 0.05) and KD was not affected. The effect was similar but much more pronounced (increase in Bmax by 38%, P less than 0.01) in rats receiving reserpine pretreatment (4 mg/kg i.p.) 24 h before each ECS. Reserpine produced a transient increase in [3H]prazosin binding 24 h but not 48 h after the last dose, at the time when the ECT effect was measured.