Enhancement of memory by lithium in animal model of stress

ABSTRACT

Numerous studies have consistently shown that repeated restraint stress produces functional neuromorphological and physiological alteration that are linked to the pathophysiology of brain disorder, like depression and bipolar disorder, causes alteration in cognition and learning memory. Lithium is the drug of choice in the treatment of depression and mania in bipolar disorder as a mood-stabilizing agent. Present study was designed to investigate the effects of long term lithium administration on memory function and its relation with 5-HT metabolism following repeated restraint stress. In this experiment memory was assessed by novel object recognition task in water treated and lithium treated unrestraint and restraint rats. Recognition memory decreased in water treated repeated restraint rats while in lithium treated repeated restraint rats recognition memory increase. 5-HIAA level increased in water treated restraint rats while decreased in lithium treated restraint rats. The findings indicate a role of brain serotonin in improved memory function in repeated restraint rats following long term lithium administration