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Published on: November 20, 2015
Toxic Effects of Lithium Chloride during Early Neonatal Period of Rat Development
P N Menshanov1, A V Bannova2, N N Dygalo3
1Department of Physiology, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia. dxkorell@gmail.com.
Insights
Lithium chloride and dexamethasone harm developing rat pups, retarding growth and delaying reflexes. Even low doses of lithium salts show significant toxicity in young organisms.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The excretory system of young organisms is immature and may be vulnerable to toxic insults.
- Lithium salts are used therapeutically but can have significant side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicity of lithium chloride and dexamethasone in developing rat pups.
- To determine the effects of these agents on growth and neurodevelopmental milestones.
Main Methods:
- Subcutaneous injection of varying doses of lithium chloride or dexamethasone to 3-day-old rat pups.
- Monitoring of pup growth and assessment of the negative geotaxis reflex.
Main Results:
- Both lithium chloride and dexamethasone administration resulted in retarded growth.
- The appearance of the negative geotaxis reflex was delayed in treated pups.
- The LD50 and therapeutic index (TI) of lithium chloride were determined to be 255 μg/kg and TI≤3, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Lithium salts exhibit high toxicity in developing organisms, even at low doses.
- Dexamethasone also negatively impacts growth and neurodevelopment in neonatal rats.
- Immature excretory systems may contribute to the heightened sensitivity to these agents.
Abstract:
Lithium chloride (85, 255, or 255+127 μg/kg) or dexamethasone (0.2 or 2 mg/kg) were subcutaneously injected to 3-day-old rat pups, whose excretory system did not yet attain functional maturity. Both agents retarded the growth of rat pups and delayed the appearance of negative geotaxis. LD50 and therapeutic index of lithium chloride were 255 μg/kg and TI≤3, respectively. Thus, lithium salts even in low doses can be highly toxic for the developing organism.
