Lithium suppresses hibernation in the Turkish hamster.
Daily uptake of lithium salt (LiCl) in the drinking water at a rate of over 100 micrograms/g b.wt (or 2.4 mEq/kg) reduced or suppressed natural torpidity (hibernation) in the Turkish hamster (Mesocricetus brandti). The data indicate a direct influence of lithium on clock-related functions controlling the hibernation process rather than indirect effects by preventing gonadal regression and thereby also hibernation.
D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight; D002712:Chlorides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects; D006224:Cricetinae; D005260:Female; D006605:Hibernation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008094:Lithium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018021:Lithium Chloride; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D002712:Chlorides; D008094:Lithium; D018021:Lithium Chloride