The Influence of Lithium on Water Binding Ability, Consistency and Macromolecules in the Rat Brain

Abstract

Wistar male rats were treated with Li for 50, 80 and 120 days, respectively. Li was added to the diet (40 mmol/kg of diet), the plasma Li concentration being in the range of 0.55-0.70 mmol/l of plasma. The treatment caused a significantly more rigid consistency of the brain tissue. The water content and water binding ability in various parts of the brain, measured by a drying course, was unchanged. The content of hexosamine and protein in total brains was significantly decreased (about 10%) after the treatment. The content of chondroitin sulfate in various parts of the brain was unchanged, whereas the content of hyaluronic acid was significantly increased in the cerebellum (25%) and in the thalamic area (20%). An influence of Li on the macromolecules from the extracellular space probably occurred, which caused an alteration of the neuronal function.