Effects of nutritional lithium deficiency on behavior in rats.
To demonstrate whether nutritional lithium deficiency is associated with behavioral changes, male Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on a lithium-deficient diet (Li content < .01 ppm). A lithium-deprived group, receiving drinking water containing 31 microM NaCl, were compared to a control group receiving drinking water containing 31 microM LiCl. Growth and general appearance were the same in both groups. However, lithium-deficient animals demonstrated decreased aggression in social interactions with other rats and also in response to handling. The phase of wheel-running activity was delayed by 0.8 h and exhibited decreased amplitude (p < .05). Other behaviors, including acquisition and retention of a passive avoidance response, were unaffected by lithium deprivation.
Klemfuss
H
H
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA.
Schrauzer
G N
GN
D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet; D006234:Handling, Psychological; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008094:Lithium / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010507:Periodicity; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D008094:Lithium