Specificity of seizure genesis during electroconvulsive therapy and modified pentylenetetrazole kindling

Abstract

Comparison of the development of chemically induced seizures in the experiment with the change in convulsive thresholds during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has demonstrated that repeated ‘chemical’ seizures can initiate the development of the kindling phenomenon, but regular ECT from the first to the 14th session most likely cause an increase in convulsive thresholds. However, the repeated ECT over 15 sessions is associated with a rapid decrease in the threshold current dose and probable dysregulation of endogenous anticonvulsant mechanisms, with the risk of the development of uncontrolled paroxysmal conditions and the risk of organic CNS lesions. The mechanisms of the convulsive action of ECT and pentylenetetrazolinduced kindling are fundamentally different. Differences in the pathogenesis of systemic convulsive reactions determine the divergent change in seizure thresholds during ECT and pentylenetetrazol stimulations.