title: Lithium attenuates clonidine-induced hypoactivity: further studies in inbred mouse strains.
abstract: Four strains of mice (C57, BALB, DBA, C3H) were used to determine whether genetic factors influence the effects of lithium on hypoactivity induced by a low dose of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine (0.2 mg/kg). Lithium was administered in the diet for 3-4 weeks at a dosage that produced average serum lithium levels of 0.58-0.66 mmol/l. Locomotor activity was reduced by either clonidine or by lithium given alone. When combined, however, lithium attenuated the activity-suppressant effects of clonidine, and that action was influenced by genetic factors. The findings suggest that genetic differences in alpha 2-adrenoceptors play a role in behavioural effects of lithium.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003000:Clonidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008811:Mice, Inbred DBA; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium; D003000:Clonidine