Repeated electroconvulsive shock does not change [3H]-paroxetine binding to the 5-HT uptake site in rat cortical membranes.

The effects of repeated electroconvulsive shock on the 5-HT uptake site were studied in rat cortex using [3H]-paroxetine binding. This ligand was used because it is thought to directly label the 5-HT uptake site, whereas [3H]-imipramine may bind to a presynaptic recognition site different from the uptake site. No changes were found in the maximum number of [3H]-paroxetine binding sites and equilibrium dissociation constant after repeated electroconvulsive shock, whereas a parallel investigation of beta-adrenoceptor binding showed the expected decrease in receptor number.