Glial fibrillary acidic protein expression after electroconvulsive shocks in rat brain

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to assess the effect of electroconvulsive shock (ECS) in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in rat brain.MethodsRats were given either a single (acute) or a series of eight (chronic) ECS. Brain regions were isolated and levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the brain tissue (cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum) were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsWe showed that GFAP expression is reduced in the hippocampus within 48 h and 7 days after acute ECS. GFAP levels are increased in the cerebellum immediately after acute and chronic ECS. No changes were observed in the cortex.ConclusionsOur findings showed a differential effect of acute and chronic ECS in the astroglial response in the brain of rats.