The effects of electroconvulsive shocks on gestation and maternal behavior in the multiparous rat.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of electroconvulsive shocks on gestation and maternal behavior in the multiparous rat. In a recent study, Rosvold (13, 14) investigated the effects of electroconvulsive shocks on gestation and maternal behavior in the nulliparous white rat raised in the Stanford laboratory. It was shown that electroconvulsive shocks disrupt pregnancy and interfere with such components of maternal behavior as nest building, parturition, lactation, cleaning of the young, retrieving and maintenance of the nest. Further, the seriousness of the effect seemed to be related to the period of pregnancy - lactation cycle during which the shocks were administered. His results also indicated a rise in the body temperature of the animal during the period in which the shocks were administered. He concluded that the effects of electroccnvulsive shock on pregnancy and maternal behavior appeared to be greater than could be accounted for by known or hypothetical cortical damage. Hormonial dysfunction as a result of the shock was suggested as a basis for explaining the results.[...