The effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation of rat brain on behavioral models of depression.

Magnetic stimulation of the brain in unanesthetized humans and animals can painlessly induce motor movements and has recently been reported to have antidepressant properties. In behavioral models of depression and electroconvulsive therapy including enhancement of apormorphine-induced stereotypy, reduction of immobility in the Porsolt swim test and increases in seizure threshold for subsequent stimulation, magnetic stimulation of rat brain had effects similar to those of electroconvulsive shock.