Alkali metal ions and ethanol narcosis in mice.

The effect of an equimolar dose of LiCl, RbCl or CsCl on the depressant action of ethanol (ETOH) was studied as a function of duration of ETOH-mediated narcosis in mice. The alkali metal ions were administered acutely or semi-chronically prior to the administration of a narcotic dose of ETOH. Semi-chronic treatment with RbCl or CsCl resulted in decreased duration of ETOH-mediated narcosis, which was persistent for 5 days after discontinued administration of RbCl and CsCl. Conversely, a prolongation of ETOH-produced narcosis in Li-treated mice occured only when ETOH was shortly administered after sub-chronic regiments of LiCl. Semi-chronic treatment with an equimolar dose of LiCl, RbCl or CsCl produced little changes in the specific activities of liver alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase. It is concluded that both Rb+ and Cs+ possess antidepressant properties and might be useful agents in negating the depressant action of ETOH and/or some of its toxic manifestations.