Effect of imipramine or ECS on central $\beta_1$and $\beta_2$receptor Sensitivity in the Cardiovascular Response of Rat

This study was investigated the effects of imipramine (IMI) and electroconvulsive shock (ECS), which are used as antidepressant therapy, on the central $\beta_1$or $\beta_2$ adrenergic receptor in anesthetized rats. The resting blood pressure and heart rate decreased in reserpinized group (5 mg/kg i. p., 24 hr before), but not in order 4 groups i. e. acute IMI (20 mg/kg i. p.. 3-5 hr before), chronic IMI (Same dose, twice a day for 14 days), siggle ECS (sinusoidal 20 Hz, 120 V for 2 sec) and repeated ECS (same condition, daily for 12 days). The increase of heart rate and hypotension evoked by 1 or 3 $\mu$g intracerebroventricular (i. c. v.) administration of (+) dobutamine, $\beta_2$-agonist, 1 or 3 $\mu$g i. c. v. was significantly attenuated in repeated ECS or reserpine treatment. And, the diminuation of pulse pressure of salbutamol also reduced by repeated ECS. These results suggest that IMI or ECS result in attenuation on tachycardia by (+) dobutamine or on hypotension by salbutamol, presumably by which the central $\beta_1$ or $\beta_2$receptor sensitivity may be suppressed, repectively.