Brain gabaergic and dopaminergic systems following lithium treatment and withdrawal

Abstract

• 1.

  1. Changes in dopaminergic and GABAergic systems were examined in several brain regions following short-term lithium administration and subsequent withdrawal.

• 2.

  2. Lithium administration appears to cause a reduction in turnover of dopamine in most regions examined. In addition, there may be increased turnover of GABA in the midbrain, with decreased GABA outflow in other regions.

• 3.

  3. Lithium withdrawal resulted in enhanced striatal dopamine turnover, together with a further decrease in dopamine content in other brain regions. With the exception of striatum, GABAergic parameters returned towards control.