C-fos mRNA expression following electrical-induced seizure and acute nociceptive stress in mouse brain.

A single electroconvulsive shock (ECS) induced a rapid and transient expression of c-fos mRNA in mouse brain. In earclipped sham controls, low but significant expression of c-fos mRNA was also observed. These data suggest that c-fos mRNA may be transiently induced by seizure activity as well as much more subtle and qualitative different stimuli, such as the acute nociceptive stress associated with earclipping.