Lithium: Molecular interactions, clinical actions

CATALÁN, JOHANNA F.; QUEZADA, MARÍA PAZ

Translational Neuroscience

Springer Veritas

Año: 2012 vol. 3 p. 61 - 61

2081-3856

ithium is one of the most widely used drugs in neuropsychopharmacology. Preclinical scientists have made several advances in ascertaining the molecular mechanisms of action of this cation; such as its ability to stabilize monoamine levels, to interact with second messengers, and its neuroprotective effects, possibly over suicidal behaviors. Nevertheless, there remains a gap of knowledge between the pharmacological advances and the number of reliable clinical trials, creating a lack of evidence-based medicine to support medical prescriptions. In this review we examine lithium´s molecular mechanisms of action and evaluate their relevance in clinical applications. © 2012 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Wien.