CHRONIC LITHIUM ADMINISTRATION ENHANCES AMPHETAMINE-INDUCED NOREPINEPHRINE INCREASE IN THE PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS OF THE HYPOTHALAMUS IN RATS - AN IN-VIVO MICRODIALYSIS STUDY

1. Previous reports have shown that lithium (Li) decreases noradrenergic (NE) transmission in rat cortex and striatum. Since Li is widely used to treat mood disorders, and can also modulate food intake in both humans and rats, the authors investigated its effects on hypothalamic norepinephrine. 2. The authors used a microdialysis procedure to measure NE in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus of rats. 3. Basal levels of NE were not affected by Li (2 mEq/kg/intragastrically for 14 days); however the increase in NE after amphetamine (12 mu g through probe) was significantly enhanced by Li.