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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a robust treatment for patients with
schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Although fast acting and
effective, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of ECT largely remain
unknown. While previous preclinical studies have noted a role for neurotropic signaling,
neurogenesis, and alterations in monoamine neurotransmitter ... read moresystems, these models were
largely conducted using procedures that deviate from current human clinical practice.
Therefore, I sought to develop a clinically relevant murine model of electroconvulsive
seizures (ECS), a model of ECT, which more closely approximates current clinical
practice and then employ this model to begin exploring the mechanisms that accompany
ECS. Using the well-established chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) paradigm, known to
result in altered reward, motivational, and anxiety and stress-related behaviors, in
conjunction with our observed induction of plasticity-related genes in the ventral
tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala, I explore the behavioral alterations
that follow CSDS and their potential reversal following courses of ECS. Thus, utilizing
our novel and clinically relevant model of ECS, I have begun to elucidate the mechanisms
that may contribute to ECT’s therapeutic outcomes by examining behaviorally-relevant and
pathway-specific behaviors associated with stress, anxiety, and
depression.read less
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