Alterations in behaviour and catecholamine biosynthesis induced by lithium

Results are contradictory with respect to the behavioural effects of long term Li administration, some studies reporting continued or even exaggerated suppression with repeated administration, while others describe development of tolerance to the Li-induced behavioural suppression.

Abstract

THERE is general agreement that lithium (Li) impairs central catecholamine transmission, although the underlying mechanism is subject to debate1–4. More ambiguous is the literature describing the behavioural effects of Li in experimental animals. Although considerable evidence indicates that Li suppresses various behaviours5–10, there are reports that this effect is only apparent after drug-induced stimulation11–14. Results are also contradictory with respect to the behavioural effects of long term Li administration, some studies reporting continued or even exaggerated suppression with repeated administration15–18, while others describe development of tolerance to the Li-induced behavioural suppression12,13.