EFFECT OF LITHIUM ON BRAIN 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE METABOLISM IN MICE

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 222  (1) , 116-124
Abstract
Administration of Li2CO3 (2 mEq/kg) i.p., twice daily for 3 days to mice did not significantly alter brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels; brain 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-H1AA) accumulation after i.p. injection of probenecid (200 mg/kg) was significantly increased in Li pretreated animals. Brain 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase activity was enhanced by Li pretreatment while brain monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was unaltered. After i.p. injection of the MAO inhibitor pargyline (100 mg/kg) the accumulation of brain 5-HT was greater in Li treated than control mice, while the decrease in brain 5-HT levels after i.p. treatment with the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor p-chlorophenylalanine 300 mg/kg was significantly less in Li pretreated mice.