EFFECTS OF ALKALI METALS ON SPONTANEOUS MOTOR ACTIVITIES OF MICE

In mice the spontaneous motor activity tested by the photo-cell counter method was depressed by a chronic administration of lithium and was accelerated by a chronic administration of rubidium or cesium. These effects of lithium and rubidium are in accord with the therapeutic effects of these alkali metals on manic and depressive psychoses, respectively. Cesium, like rubidium, may be worth for clinical evaluation as an antidepressant agent in man.