[The effect of lithium chloride on the rat behavior after short-term oligemic hypoxia]

The experiments were carried out on male Wistar rats. The influence of brain oligemic hypoxia and lithium chloride (LiCl) on some behavioural parameters was investigated. Reduction of brain blood supply was performed by surgical clamping of both carotid arteries for 60 min in general anaesthesia induced by brietal (Methoxitone sodium, 10 mg/kg i.p.). Control animals had their vessels separated, but not clamped (sham operated). 6 days after surgery animals received LiCl (2.5 mEq/kg i.p.). Behavioral experiments were performed 24 h and 7 days after lithium administration. Experimental groups consisted of 12 animals. It was found that oligemic hypoxia reduced inconsiderably spontaneous locomotor and exploratory activity in rats. Similar influence of LiCl was observed. But LiCl administered to animals after oligemic hypoxia prevented them against locomotor and exploratory impairment. In addition, LiCl strongly enhanced amphetamine-induced hyperactivity and diminished haloperidol-induced catalepsy in hypoxic animals. These effects were not observed in sham operated animals. The above results could be connected with antidepressive action of LiCl and the model of moderate oligemic hypoxia used in present work could be a useful model for investigation of new antidepressive compounds.