Effects of repetitive doses of lithium in fluid-deprived rats

Repetitive daily dosage (2.0 mEq/kg) of LiCl to rats maintained on a restricted fluid intake system resulted in cyclical increases and decreases in volume consumed on about a 10 day interval. At a higher dose (4.0 mEq/kg) a similar treatment led to death of the animals in 10 days. Both doses were associated with polyuria and weight loss.