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Articles: I. Nicol Ferrier, Lindsey J. Ferrie, and Karine A. Macritchie Old drug, new data: REVISITING... LITHIUM THERAPY Adv Psychiatr Treat 2006; 12: 256-264 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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lithium ...revisiting the mechanism of action

Manar El Sayed Shaheen   (10 September 2006)

lithium ...revisiting the mechanism of action 10 September 2006
Manar El Sayed Shaheen, staff grade Send letter to journal: Re: lithium ...revisiting the mechanism of action manarfarag{at}yahoo.co.uk Manar El Sayed Shaheen	I read with interest the article by Nicol Ferrier on the effectiveness of lithium and its use as a mood stabilizer in treating bipolar illness. The article also discussed the neurobiological action of this element. However, it is still unclear how lithium can affect the immune response which occurs during a depressive or manic episode. In depression there is reduced natural killer cell activity and T-cell replication with increase in proinflamatory cytokines from microphages which is usually associated with an increase in prostaglandin E2 synthesis ; whereas in mania there is an enhanced cell mediated immunity with an increase in circulating T-cell numbers. The article focuses on the effects of lithium on neurotransmitter systems. However there is a risk that we may be over evaluating the importance of these at the expense of considering lithium's effect on the immune system, given our limited understanding of the mechanisms behind the latter. Nathan KI,Musselman DL,Schatzberg AF& Nemeroff CB(1995) Biology of mood disorders.In:Schatzberg AF & Nemeroff CB(eds) Textbook of Psychopharmacology,pp.439-78.Washington DC:American Psychiatric Press.