Abstract
Four strains of mice (C57, BALB, DBA, C3H) were used to determine whether genetic factors influence the effects of lithium on hypoactivity induced by a low dose of the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine (0.2 mg/kg). Lithium was administered in the diet for 3–4 weeks at a dosage that produced average serum lithium levels of 0.58–0.66 mmol/l. Locomotor activity was reduced by either clonidine or by lithium given alone. When combined, however, lithium attenuated the activity-suppressant effects of clonidine, and that action was influenced by genetic factors. The findings suggest that genetic differences in alpha2-adrenoceptors play a role in behavioural effects of lithium.
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Smith, D.F. Lithium attenuates clonidine-induced hypoactivity: further studies in inbred mouse strains. Psychopharmacology 94, 428–430 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00174702
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00174702