Effect of chronic lithium treatment on isolation-induced behavioral and biochemical effects in mice.
The following effects were induced in mice by a prolonged of isolation (6-7 weeks from weaning): (1) reduction in motor activity; (2) reduction in the effect of oxotremorine on rectal temperature; (3) increase in the response to salbutamol, a beta-adrenergic stimulant. Chronic lithium treatment (2 mg/ml in the drinking water during the last 3-4 weeks of isolation) prevented these phenomena. The number and affinity of beta-adrenergic receptors in the whole mouse brain (excluding the cerebellum) was unmodified by either isolation or by lithium. It is suggested that lithium blocks isolation-induced hypersensitivity, especially of the beta-adrenergic system; this mechanism may be involved in the therapeutic action of lithium.
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008094:Lithium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D010095:Oxotremorine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects; D012934:Social Isolation
D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D010095:Oxotremorine; D008094:Lithium