Lithium and calcium-dependent cell functions. The contribution of a membrane physiology approach in explaining the therapeutic effects of lithium

The action of lithium on cellular calcium regulation has been observed in snail neurons using electrophysiological methods. Recently, calcium-dependent mechanisms are thought to play a central role in the integrative functions of the CNS. The coupling between humoral and electrical effects of neurons by calcium iones appears to be especially interesting in respect of the clinical actions of lithium. Here we discuss clinical and experimental studies considering the question if the well known effects of lithium therapy could be produced by an action of lithium on the calcium regulation of nerve cells.