D. Koubi et al., Early and prolonged widespread increase in brain protein synthesis following a single electroconvulsive shock in free-moving rats, BRAIN RES, 821(1), 1999, pp. 111-116
The autoradiographic method with L-[S-35] methionine ([S-35]Met) was used t
o determine the effect of a single electroconvulsive shock (ECS) on local r
ates of protein synthesis in the adult rat brain in free-moving conditions.
We have estimated the relative contribution of methionine derived from pro
tein breakdown to the intracellular precursor amino acid pool (tRNA pool) f
or protein synthesis. In steady-state conditions, we showed a large contrib
ution (around 60%) of Met recycling into the precursor pool (lambda = 0.37
+/- 0.11), after a single ECS. In all the 36 brain regions examined, appare
nt rates of protein synthesis were greatly increased (21-50%) 3 h after a s
ingle ECS indicating a generalized effect in rat brain. This ECS-induced ac
tivation of the overall rate of brain protein synthesis persisted for at le
ast 24 h after cessation of ECS. This is consistent with the hypothesis tha
t electroconvulsive therapy is associated with long-term molecular changes
in neuronal activity. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.