Effects of electroconvulsive seizures on Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the rat hippocampus

Although several advances have occurred concerning the use of electroconvulsive therapy, little progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic or side effects. Na+,K+-ATPase is an important enzyme of central nervous system, responsible for ionic gradient maintenance and consumption of approximately 40-50% of brain ATP. This work was performed in order to determine Na+,K+-ATPase activity after acute and chronic electroconvulsive shock. Results showed an inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the hippocampus 48 h, 7, 30, 60 and 90 days after a single electroconvulsive shock. Chronic treatment diminished the enzyme activity in the hippocampus 7 and 30 days after electroconvulsive (ECS) sessions. Our findings demonstrated that Na+,K+-ATPase activity is altered by ECS.