Effects of ECT-dothiepin combination on learning in rats
Krishnamurthy, M.; DeSouza, C.; Selvaraj, V.; Venkataraman, B.V.; Nagarani, M.A.; Joseph, T.; Andrade, C.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 31(10): 831-833
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5189 PMID: 8276436 Document Number: 409008
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and antidepressant drugs are each known to impair learning and memory. No information is available on their effects on cognition when used concurrently in the treatment of depression, as is frequent in India. In the present study, therefore, the effects of electroconvulsive shocks (ECS) and dothiepin, separately and in combination, were studied in an animal model employing a complex maze operant learning paradigm. ECS were given on alternate days (3/ week) for 2 weeks. Dothiepin (10 mg/kg i.p.) was administered once daily for 2 weeks. Learning was assessed on days 2-10 post-treatment. ECS produced greater initial impairment in learning while dothiepin produced a more sustained impairment. While impairment was maximum in the combined treatment group, the statistical significance that emerged to proscribed the combination were but weak.