Chronic Lithium Administration Research Articles

Effects of chronic lithium administration on concanavalin A binding to plasma membranes from the corpus striatum of rat brain

The effects of chronic in vivo lithium administration on mannose-containing components of plasma membranes from rat corpus striatum were examined by a 3H-concanavalin A binding displacement method. No difference on Con A binding was observed between sodium or lithium-treated rats during a 1-month period.

Acute effects of lithium on central dopamine and serotonin activity reflected by inhibition of prolactin and growth hormone secretion in the rat.

The acute administration of lithium chloride significantly inhibits both prolactin and growth hormone secretion in the rat. In terms of known neuroendocrine relationships this finding indicates that lithium administration alters both dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) activity in the hypothalamus. The data suggest that DA activity is increased (inhibiting prolactin release) and 5-HT activity is decreased (reducing growth hormone stimulation). The data are in agreement with fluorescent histological studies on the effects of chronic lithium administration and suggest that endocrine parameters may be used to provide neuropharmacological information about compounds which alter brain monoamine activity.

The effect of chronic lithium administration on dopamine metabolism in rat striatum

Striatal dopamine and its metabolites were studied in rats given lithium chloride in the diet. Results showed an increase in homovanillic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels but no significant change in dopamine concentration after 3 weeks of lithium administration. There was no change in tyrosine hydroxylase activity after 1, 2, and 3 weeks treatment. The results indicate an increase in the release and turnover of dopamine in the lithium-treated animals.

Effects of chronic lithium and rubidium administration upon experimentally induced conflict behavior

1. 1. Chronic treatment of rats with lithium chloride produced a significant reduction of shock induced suppression of feeding behavior (passive avoidance) in the rat. 2. 2. Rubidium chloride, on the other hand, caused additional suppression of feeding under the same conditions. 3. 3. These results suggest that two drugs may affect anxiety processes in opposite directions, and this may be of clinical significance.

Effects of lithium on inducible enzymes of rat liver.

Chronic lithium administration to female rats results in elevation of serum corticoids, lowering of serum glucose and altered induction of liver enzymes. The cortisol induction of tyrosine transaminase is increased selectively over that of tryptophan oxygenase. The glucose induction of glucokinase following a fast is increased by chronic lithium treatment but diminished by acute treatment. These results indicate that lithium may alter the glucose metabolic set-point in rats.

Effect of acute and chronic administration of lithium on steady-state levels of mouse brain choline and acetylcholine

Effect of acute and chronic administration of lithium on steady-state levels of mouse brain choline and acetylcholine

The effect of lithium on adrenergic function in dog

The effect of acute and chronic lithium administration on the pressor response to norepinephrine and tyramine in anesthetized and conscious dogs was compared. In anesthetized dogs, acute lithium (50 mg/kg i.p.) administration caused a significant potentiation of the pressor response to norepinephrine but had no effect on tyramine-induced response. Following chronic administration of lithium (600 mg/day, 7–10 days) pressor response to both sympathomimetic agents was markedly decreased. In contrast, in conscious dogs, acute or chronic lithium administration failed to modify the pressor response to either agent. These latter results are at variance to those reported in man. Differences in species and methodology may account for this discrepancy. Results are discussed in light of known effects of lithium on biogenic amines. The serum lithium concentrations in both series of experiments were within the therapeutic range found to be beneficial in the treatment of affective disorders.

EFFECTS OF ALKALI METALS ON SPONTANEOUS MOTOR ACTIVITIES OF MICE

In mice the spontaneous motor activity tested by the photo-cell counter method was depressed by a chronic administration of lithium and was accelerated by a chronic administration of rubidium or cesium. These effects of lithium and rubidium are in accord with the therapeutic effects of these alkali metals on manic and depressive psychoses, respectively. Cesium, like rubidium, may be worth for clinical evaluation as an antidepressant agent in man.

The effect of acute and chronic lithium administration on the superior cervical ganglion of the cat

The effects of acute and chronic administration of lithium chloride on the superior cervical ganglion of the cat were investigated. The responses of the nictitating membrane to DMPP (50 μg/kg, i.v.) and norepinephrine (20 μg/kg, i.v.) and to preganglionic nerve stimulation were not significantly affected following acute as well as chronic lithium administration. The results suggest that acute or chronic lithium administration does not have a significant effect on adrenergic mechanism, in serum concentrations found clinically useful in the treatment of manic-depressive disease.