The ontogenesis of lithium-induced effects on suckling: inhibition and facilitation.
The ontogenesis of the effect of lithium on suckling behavior was assessed by administering lithium carbonate directly and acutely to 15-, 20-, 30-, and 35-day-old rat pups. Lithium significantly interfered with nipple attachment in 15-day-old rat pups in a dose-dependent pattern, but it facilitated attachment at some doses (40, 60, 80 mg/kg) in weanling-age rat pups. Furthermore, lithium pretreatment reversed quipazine-induced interference of attachment in weanling-age rats. These effects are similar to those previously reported with serotonergic antagonists, suggesting a similar mechanism, perhaps via the inositol phosphate second messenger system.
McLaughlin
C R
CR
Department of Psychology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755.
Lichtman
A H
AH
Pretlow
J P
JP
Cramer
C P
CP
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D008094:Lithium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D011814:Quipazine / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects; D013391:Sucking Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D013649:Taste / Q000187:drug effects
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D011814:Quipazine; D008094:Lithium