Effect of lithium chloride on ethanol consumption by rats

Selective consumption of ethanol was produced in rats in the course of 2 months by giving a 5% solution of ethanol as the sole source of fluid. Lithium chloride, given by intraperitoneal injection in a dose of 35 mg/kg twice a day for 14 days, depressed the preference for ethanol by producing reversal of motivations, the mechanism of which is connected with changes in the activity of the hypothalamic centers of neuroendocrine regulation. The possible use of lithium salts in the treatment of chronic alcoholism is discussed.