Neural alternation in CA1 hippocampus area and behavioral functions followed by ECT and Ketamine therapy in depressed rats

Background and Objective: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common disease. Neural plasticity, a fundamental mechanism of neuronal adaptation, is disrupted in depression. The changes in neural plasticity induced by stress and other negative stimuli play a significant role in the onset and development of depression. In patients, who have treatment-resistant depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a possible option. Nevertheless, some symptoms may persist even after ECT. To treat patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD), recent research has focused on NMDA receptor antagonists. Thus, we assessed the impact of repeated ketamine treatment together with ECT. So, we aim to know behavioral functions and histological changes in hippocampus of depressed rats. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 50 healthy adult male Wistar rats divided into five groups, and except the control group, the other ones were depressed by CUMS method. Then, three groups of depressed ratswere treated in different ways (electroconvulsive, ketamine, and combined electroconvulsive and ketamine therapy). So that, repeated dose of ketamine (15 mg/kg, i.p.) were used. Finally, various behavioral and histological parameters were measured. In the present study, sucrose consumption, Immobility in forced swimming test, line crossing and central entry in open field test, and some parameters in elevated plus maze were assessed. Result: The combination of ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy has had a significant effect on Sucrose Preference, forced swimming and open field behavioral tests. Also, this treatment could be really effective on number of neurons in hippocampus area.

Keywords:

Ketamine , Electroconvulsive therapy , Hippocampus , Depression