Influence of lithium and rubidium on exploratory behaviour and locomotor activity in isolated male mice

Abstract

The effect of lithium and rubidium on curiosity rearing, and locomotor activity in isolated and group-housed male mice (DBA/2 Han) was investigated. LiCl and RbCl were given with the drinking water (30 mol/l) during 3 weeks. The behaviour of the animals was tested before and after the chronical application of either lithium or rubidium. The results show that lithium was able to enhance the decreased curiosity of the isolated mice which now was no longer different from that of normal group-housed animals. The locomotor activity of the isolated animals was also increased by LiCl, while rearing was not altered. Rubidium even more decreased the already diminished curiosity of the 'fighting mice' but had no influence on rearing and locomotor activity. Three weeks after cessation of treatment the behaviour of the isolated mice returned to predrug levels. Neither lithium nor rubidium had any influence of the behaviour of animals kept in groups.

Effects of alkali ions on the circadian leaf movements of Oxalis regnellii

“…Halm and Dawson 1983, Kruiik el al. 1977, Tobin et al 1974, Weischer 1979. This could in part explain why Rb* in contrast to Li* could shorten the period in Oxalis at low concentrations.…”

Effect of RbCl on the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in the cockroachLeucophaea maderae

“…A period lengthening was also reported for circadian rhythms in humans Engelmann et al, 1982). Rb + has a number of physiological and behavioral effects which are opposite to those of Li + (Fieve and Meltzer, 1978;Weischer, 1979). If this holds also for the change of period in circadian rhythms, a shortening of the free-running rhythm would be expected by Rb + in those cases where Li + increases the period.…”