title: Effect of lithium carbonate on circadian periodicity in humans.
abstract: Five groups of two volunteers lived during four weeks under arctic summer conditions (Spitsbergen) isolated in huts, without time information. They received lithium carbonate or placebo. All showed free-run of their circadian temperature and activity/rest rhythms with periods longer than 24 hours. Under lithium carbonate, a period-lengthening effect can be shown. This could help to understand theprophylactic effect of lithium salts in manic-depressive episodes.
mesh_terms: D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium