Application of A (n, alpha) nuclear reaction to the microlocalization of lithium in the mouse brains.

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Using techniques employing the nuclear reaction 6Li(n,.alpha.)3H and homogeneous dielectric detectors, the distribution of Li [central depressant] in mouse brain was studied. The methods employed are as follows: cryofixation (propane cooled with liquid N2), cryotomy (microtome at -35.degree. C) and lyophilization of the sections. These diverse procedures allow us to limit very effectively the diffusion of Li ions. The controls, either treated with 7LiCl or untreated, do not exhibit marking. The brains of those animals treated with 6LiCl (15 meq/kg of body wt) show a distribution of tracks related to principal regions of the brain. Li-rich areas correspond to the neocortex, the hippocampus, the striatum and the granular layer of the cerebellum. The Li poor areas are the corpus callosum and the thalamus. In the Li rich areas the tracks are distributed either in a relatively homogeneous manner, or as numerous clusters on a background of tracks of density comparable with that found in those areas less rich in Li. The presence or absence of clusters is noted for a series of sections of the same brain which leaves open the possibility of the method of preparation influencing the results. The results are discussed in relation to those on rat brain, based on the nuclear reaction (n,.alpha.) in conjunction with flame spectrophotometry and atomic absorption techniques.