How does lithium mediate its therapeutic effects?

Abstract

For the psychiatrist, lithium is an effective drug for both the treatment and prophylaxis of bipolar disorder. The molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic actions have not yet been fully explained. The effects of lithium on a number of enzymes and biological processes have been studied. Inositol monophosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) have been suggested as the relevant intracellular targets for lithium action. The discovery of the role of GSK-3, the Wnt signalling system, and the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 has led to the suggestion that there could be a therapeutic use for lithium in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.