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Lithium ion accumulation by cultured glioma cells

1979; Elsevier BV; Volume: 171; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0006-8993(79)90344-5

1872-6240

Robert Gorkin, Elliott Richelson,

Ion channel regulation and function

This review highlights our recent investigations of cellular and molecular targets that may contribute to the beneficial actions of lithium (Li) salts in the treatment of bipolar disorders. Our studies are guided by several considerations, which we propose are central to the task of understanding Li's role in psychotherapy. First, therapeutic concentrations of Li in serum are generally between 0.5–1.5 mM and must be kept in this range for effective prophylaxis. Second, toxicity is a common problem with Li therapy, and can lead patients to seek alternative medications. Third, the anti-manic effects of Li are not observed acutely, rather they develop over 1–2 weeks (implying that adaptive responses to Li may be important for its overall action). Fourth, because Li stabilizes aspects of mood and behavior, we infer that Li directly or indirectly modulates the activity of neurons that regulate these complex traits. These considerations are discussed in the context of our observation that Li influences the expression of dense core vesicle proteins in two model systems.