NCT00922064

Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) on Serotonin-1A Receptor Binding

Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Serotonin-1A Receptor Binding in Major Depression

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 12 (actual)
• Sponsor: Medical University of Vienna · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

In treatment-resistant depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to effectively reduce depressive symptoms, though the underlying neurobiological mechanism is still unclear. The serotonergic system, and in particular the inhibitory serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) receptor, appears to be significantly involved in the effectiveness of ECT. The aim of the study is to assess the effects of ECT on the 5-HT1A receptor binding potential (BPND) and distribution in humans in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET) and the radioligand \[carbonyl-11C\]WAY-100635. 12 patients suffering from severe, therapy-resistant unipolar depression will undergo 3 PET scans, two of these scans taking place before the ECT treatment, consisting of 6-14 ECTs, the third scan taking place after the ECT treatment. This imaging study hypothesizes that upon completion of the ECT, the overall 5-HT1A receptor BPND in the brain of depressed patients will significantly change. This study would be the first to demonstrate an effect of electroconvulsive therapy on the 5-HT1A receptor binding in humans in vivo. Given the involvement of the 5-HT1A receptor in the pathophysiology of mood disorders, the present study would be an important step towards a better understanding of antidepressant treatment and treatment response. By comparing treatment effect and the underlying biological mechanism, the study might help to identify biomarkers that distinguish patients who are likely to benefit from ECT from patients who will rather be non-responders. Finally, by investigating the role of the 5-HT1A receptor in ECT, is highly discussed relevance for antidepressant action will be further elucidated and might prepare the ground for new therapeutic strategies.

Conditions

• Unipolar Depression

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	ECT	ECT series consisting of 6 to 14 ECTs

Timeline

• Start date: 2009-06-01
• Primary completion: 2011-09-01
• Completion: 2011-09-01
• First posted: 2009-06-17
• Last updated: 2011-11-16

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Austria