Transient increase of plasma concentrations of amyloid β peptides after electroconvulsive therapy

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is applied to effectively treat depressive episodes, and it can be considered an ideal model of generalized seizures induced and performed under precisely controllable conditions.

Objective

We hypothesize that ECT causes a transiently increased blood-brain barrier permeability.

Methods

We measured plasma concentrations of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides: 1-42, 1-40, x-42, and x-40 before ECT, within 30 minutes after 2, and 24 hours after ECT treatment in 33-36 sessions of n = 13 different patients.

Results

We observed a significant increase of the plasma concentrations of all four peptides within 30 minutes after the ECT, followed by the normalization of the peptides concentrations 2 hours after the ECT.

Conclusion

Different physiologic phenomena may be responsible for the transient increase of the Aβ peptides concentrations in plasma shortly after ECT session, and further studies are necessary to explain these mechanisms. For example, decreased integrity of the blood-brain barrier permeability, an increased release from neurons due to their activation or increased release from peripheral sources, like thrombocytes or muscles, or a combination of different factors must be taken into consideration.

Keywords: blood-brain barrier, electroconvulsive therapy, multiplexing, depression, amyloid β