The influence of alkali metal chlorides on environmentally-linked behavioural stereotypies in the rat.

In a series of three experiments using rats, the chlorides of lithium, rubidium and caesium were compared with sodium chloride in respect of their effects on behavioural stereotypy. Two apparatuses were used, a modified hold-board and an open field. Caesium was found to increase the occurrence of environmentally-linked behaviour in both types of apparatus. Lithium had effects in the opposite direction. Rubidium had effects like caesium in the modified hold-board test, but like lithium in the open field. The findings are discussed in terms of possible effects on central information processing mechanisms.