Electroconvulsive shock: effect on pineal and hypothalamic indoles.

Chronic electroconvulsive shock (ECS) did not significantly alter pineal concentrations of melatonin. Statistically significant decreases of serotonin, however, were found in both the pineal and hypothalamus. These results support the previous reports of serotoninergic receptor supersensitivity following repeated ECS, and suggest serotoninergic involvement but do not necessarily exclude adrenergic involvement in the antidepressant effect of electroconvulsive therapy.