Effect of ECT and imipramine treatment on the concentration of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in the cerebrospinal fluid of depressed patients.

The influence of probenecid administration on 5HIAA and HVA concentrations in the CSF of depressed patients, was studied before and after treatment with imipramine or ECT. The average increase of the two metabolites in the CSF after probenecid was similar in the untreated depressed patients and in the same patients improved after both imipramine or ECT treatment. The treatment determined a significant increase in the CSF concentration of the acid metabolites also before the probenecid administration.