Effect of lithium chloride on the neurotransmitter release from adrenergic nerve terminals of guinea-pig atria

Lithium chloride at 1 and 10 mM produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the cardiac response to field stimulation of the adrenergic nerve terminals, without affecting myocardial contractility in electrically stimulated guinea-pig atria. This effect was calcium-independent and was also present in preparations superfused with 10 mM myoinositol. Moreover, 10 mM lithium chloride reduced the positive inotropic effect of tyramine. These results indicate that lithium reduces the evoked release of noradrenaline from the adrenergic nerve endings, probably lowering the content of releasable neurotransmitter.