[Modification, by lithium, of catalepsy induced by central cholinergic stimulants and morphine-like drugs]

After unique injection LiCl enhances, in albino rat, catalepsy induced by arecoline and oxotremorine perhaps by adenylcyclase inhibition and/or decrease of acetylcholine synthesis. After repetitive injection of LiCl during 5 days, this phenomenon is not observable, probably owing to increase of acetylcholine synthesis. After unique injection of LiCl enhances catalepsy induced by dextromoramide, probably on account of cholinergic properties of this drug. In contrast catalepsy induced by morphine or pethidine is suppressed. This constatation would depend on opposite influence upon cerebral neuromediators : lithium diminishing cerebral serotonin and striatal acetylcholine levels and morphine increasing them. After repetitive injections these phenomenons are not observable.