ALTERATIONS OF BROMOCRIPTINE-INDUCED PENILE ERECTION BY CHRONIC LITHIUM IN RATS

In the present study, the effects of chronic lithium pre-treatment (30 days) on penile erection (PE) induced by bromocriptine were investiga ted in rats. Intraperitoneal administration of the dopamine receptor a gonist, bromocriptine (4-32 mg/kg) induced PE in a biphasic manner. Th e maximum response was obtained with 8 mg/kg of bromocriptine and the effect was decreased with increasing doses of the drug from 8 to 32 mg /kg. When animals were pre-treated with different doses of the D-l dop amine receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 or the D-2 dopamine receptor anta gonist, sulpiride, the PE response was decreased. The response induced by bromocriptine (4-32 mg/kg) was reduced in animals pre-treated with chronic lithium. SCH 23390 did not produce a larger inhibitory effect on the bromocriptine response in animals pre-treated with chronic lit hium, but the inhibitory effect of sulpiride was increased in this con dition. It is concluded that chronic lithium treatment may alter the D -1/D-2 receptor activity and inhibit bromocriptine-induced PE.