Mode of Action of Lithium

How does lithium mediate its therapeutic effects?

“…These are closely connected with changes in corresponding signalling systems in membranes, the activities of the enzymes involved and the production of second messengers. Lithium has been found to alter the brain cAMP level, cAMP-mediated processes in the CNS, and fluoride stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity (Davis and Fann 1971, Bunney et al 1979, Shaldubina et al 2001. This finding was of considerable interest because of the increased cAMP levels found in the urine of manic patients.…”

Histochemical Changes of Peripheral Blood Leukocytes during Lithium Treatment1

“…Lithium's mode of action, however, remains the subject of intense study (3). Lithium carbonate, administered to psychiatric patients, has been shown to cause neutrophilia (16) which is reversible upon discontinuation of treatment (20).…”