Alterations in serum and brain trace element levels after antidepressant treatment. Part II. Copper

We have studied the effect of chronic treatment with imipramine, citalopram , and electroconvulsive shock (ECS) on serum and brain copper levels in rat s. Chronic treatment with citalopram and imipramine (but not ECS) significa ntly (approx 14%) decreased the serum copper level. Chronic treatment with both drugs did not alter the brain copper level. However, chronic ECS induc ed a significant increase (by 36%) in the copper level in the hippocampus a nd also in the cerebellum (by 16%). Ln contrast to the zinc, where both pha rmacologic and ECS treatment increased its hippocampal concentration, these two antidepressant therapy (drugs versus ECS) differ in their effect on br ain copper level. These findings suggest that the mechanism by which copper is involved in ECS differs from that of any involvement in the action of t he drugs studied.