Inhibition by lithium of PGE1-sensitive adenylate cyclase in neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid cells: approach to the attenuation of the opiate withdrawal syndrome.

Exposure of neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid cells to LiCl (Li+) for 48 h significantly reduces prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)-dependent cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) accumulation. When applied simultaneously with morphine for the same period, Li+ inhibits the excessive accumulation of cyclic AMP in response to PGE1 characteristically exhibited by these cells upon opiate withdrawal. Likewise, Li+ inhibits, in vitro, PGE1-dependent cyclic AMP accumulation in tissue slices from rat corpus striatum. Prophylactic administration of Li+ in the diet attenuates the withdrawal symptoms in morphine-addicted rats. These findings support clinical reports that suggest that prophylactic treatment with Li+ attenuates the severity of the opiate withdrawal syndrome.