[Lithium oxybutyrate correction of the circadian pattern of reserpine-induced depression]

Lithium oxybutyrate was studied for effects on the circadian pattern of reserpine-induced depression ("open field") in relation to the time of the drug use. Reserpine given in a single dose of 0.75 mg/kg caused a reduction of diurnal frequencies, inversion of rhythm acrophases, decrease in their mesors and amplitudes. Lithium oxybutyrate given after rhythm acrophases in reserpine-treated animals recovered the lost 24-hour harmonics phase relations between them, but when used before acrophases it did not only fail to prevent the animals from the exhausting action of reserpine, but aggravated the course of depression.