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Effects of Alkali Metal Chlorides on Activity in Rats

Nature volume 238, pages 333–334 (1972)Cite this article

Abstract

LITHIUM salts are widely used in the clinical control of manic states1 and also have effects on animal behaviour, suppressing vertical rearing activity in rats2 and reducing aggression in several species3–5. In contrast, salts of rubidium increase activity and aggression in mice and monkeys6,7, leading to the suggestion that rubidium might be useful in the clinical treatment of depression8. In the present experiment I compared the effects of five alkali metal chlorides on two types of activity in rats—vertical rearing and horizontal locomotion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Birmingham, PO Box 363, Birmingham, B15 2TT

    F. N. JOHNSON

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  1. F. N. JOHNSON
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JOHNSON, F. Effects of Alkali Metal Chlorides on Activity in Rats. Nature 238, 333–334 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/238333b0

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