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Peripheral noradrenergic function during chronic lithium treatment in the rat
J P Finberg1, I Kremer, I Spanir
1Rappaport Institute for Medical Research, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
Journal of Neural Transmission. General Section
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Chronic lithium treatment did not affect peripheral noradrenergic nerve function in rats. This suggests lithium
Area of Science:
- Neuropharmacology
- Physiology
Background:
- Lithium is a mood stabilizer with complex cellular effects.
- Its impact on peripheral noradrenergic neurotransmission is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic lithium administration on noradrenergic nerve function in the rat vas deferens.
Main Methods:
- Rats received dietary lithium (30 mM for 2 weeks, then 50 mM for 1 week).
- Assessed 3H-noradrenaline release, alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor activity, and neuronal uptake.
Main Results:
- No significant alterations were observed in evoked 3H-noradrenaline release.
- Alpha-adrenoceptor function and neuronal uptake remained unchanged.
- Data indicate lithium does not primarily act on peripheral noradrenergic nerves.
Conclusions:
- Lithium's effects on peripheral noradrenergic nerves are minimal.
- Central nervous system noradrenergic neuron function may still be affected via phosphatidyl-inositol pathways.