Changes in synaptic plasticity are associated with electroconvulsive shock-induced learning and memory impairment in rats with depression-like behavior

Figures & data

Figure 1 Time overview of the study.

Notes: (A) The time schedule for behavior test. (B) The time schedule for electrophysiological experiment.
Abbreviations: CUMS, chronic unpredictable mild stress; ECS, electroconvulsive shock; EP, electrophysiological experiment; MWM, Morris water maze; SPT, sucrose preference test.

Figure 2 Effects of ECS on depression-like behavior (A) and spatial learning and memory function (B and C).

Notes: Sucrose preference percentage is the test index of sucrose preference test, and lower sucrose preference percentage indicated more significant depression-like behavior. Escape latency and space exploration time are the test index of Morris water maze, and longer escape latency and shorter space exploration time indicated worse learning and memory performance. Group C, control group with healthy rats; Group D, rats with depression-like behavior; Group DE, rats with depression-like behavior undergoing ECS. *P<0.05 compared with group C; ^#P<0.05 compared with group D.
Abbreviation: ECS, electroconvulsive shock.

Figure 3 Effects of ECS on LTP and depotentiation.

Notes: Baseline fEPSPs were recorded for 30 min, and poststimulation fEPSPs of LTP and depotentiation were recorded for 60 min. (A–C) LTP and depotentiation were recorded in each group. Original traces of fEPSP were recorded, and baseline trace (trace 1), post-HFS trace (trace 2), and post-LFS trace (trace 3) were exhibited. Scale bar was set as 5 ms for the horizontal line and 1 mV for the vertical line. Statistical analysis of baseline fEPSP (D), LTP (E), and depotentiation (F) for different groups. Group C, control group with healthy rats; Group D, rats with depression-like behavior; Group DE, rats with depression-like behavior undergoing ECS. *P<0.05 compared with group C; ^#P<0.05 compared with group D.
Abbreviations: ECS, electroconvulsive shock; fEPSPs, field excitatory postsynaptic potentials; LTP, long-term potentiation; LFS, low-frequency stimulation; HFS, high-frequency stimulation.

Figure 4 Effects of ECS on LTD.

Notes: Baseline fEPSPs were recorded for 30 min, and poststimulation fEPSPs were recorded for 60 min. (A–C) LTD was recorded in each group. Original traces of fEPSP were recorded, and baseline trace (trace 1) and poststimulation trace (trace 2) were exhibited. Scale bar was set as 5 ms for the horizontal line and 1 mV for the vertical line. (D) Statistical analysis of LTP for different groups. Group C, control group with healthy rats; Group D, rats with depression-like behavior; Group DE, rats with depression-like behavior undergoing ECS. *P<0.05 compared with group C; ^#P<0.05 compared with group.
Abbreviations: ECS, electroconvulsive shock; fEPSPs, field excitatory postsynaptic potentials; LTD, long-term depression; LTP, long-term potentiation.

Figure 5 Effects of ECS on PTP.

Notes: Baseline fEPSPs were recorded for 30 s, and poststimulation fEPSPs were recorded for 60 s. (A–C) PTP was recorded in each group. Original traces of fEPSP were recorded, and baseline trace (trace 1) and poststimulation trace (trace 2) were exhibited. Scale bar was set as 5 ms for the horizontal line and 1 mV for the vertical line. (D) Statistical analysis of PTP for different groups. Group C, control group with healthy rats; Group D, rats with depression-like behavior; Group DE, rats with depression-like behavior undergoing ECS. *P<0.05 compared with group C; ^#P<0.05 compared with group D.
Abbreviations: ECS, electroconvulsive shock; fEPSPs, field excitatory postsynaptic potentials; PTP, post-tetanic potentiation.