Oral administration of lithium carbonate to normal rats in a
dose (15 mg./animal/day) only one dose for one day (group H) and
for 4 weeks (group 111) resulted in a significant decrease in some
neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline, and GABA) and their
precursor acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, and glutamic acid) in rat
brain tissue homogenate.
However, a significant increase in serotonin concentration
with a significant decrease in its precursor amino acid (tryptophan)
were also observed.
These biochemical changes may be of value in explaining the
antidepressant effect of the drug. |
