[Effects of lithium on primary cultured cerebrocortical neurons of rat].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the neuroprotection and the impact on brain development of lithium, the effects of lithium salt on the growth and survival of primary cultured cerebrocortical neurons were studied.


METHODS
The technique of primary cultured cerebrocortical neurons of newborn rats with serum-free medium was established, and the growth and survival of neurons treated with different doses of lithium chloride (0.625, 1.250, 2.500, 5.000, 10.000 mmol/L) were observed. The length of neuronal synapse, cell viability by MTT reduction assay were also measured.


RESULTS
The neurons were brighter, germinated rapidly, the neuronal synapse lengthened markedly, and the neurons viability was also better after treated with lithium chloride. Among the five doses, 5.000 mmol/L had the best effect [(53.80 +/- 5.84) micro m, P < 0.01].


CONCLUSIONS
Lithium chloride can promote the growth and survival of neurons.
Yang
Fang
F
Military Preventive Medical Institute, Medical College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin 300162, China.
Li
Ji-sheng
JS
Yang
Feng
F
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000166:cytology*; D008094:Lithium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D008094:Lithium