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. 1983 Nov;12(3):269-82.
doi: 10.1016/0306-9877(83)90043-9.

The Na,K-ATPase hypothesis for manic-depression. II. The mechanism of action of lithium

R S el-Mallakh

The Na,K-ATPase hypothesis for manic-depression. II. The mechanism of action of lithium

R S el-Mallakh. Med Hypotheses. 1983 Nov.

Abstract

A model as to how lithium may work in the treatment and prevention of manic-depression is presented. Lithium accumulates intracellularly, and accumulates preferentially in more active neurons. Intracellular accumulation of lithium displaces intracellular sodium, which, in turn, decreases intracellular calcium. A decrease of intracellular calcium normalizes neuron activity in both mania and depression. This model is supported by the majority of clinical and experimental data.

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