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The Sound of Evolution
Lithium carbonate
Mechanism of action:
Lithium carbonate is a lithium salt. Lithium inhibits inositol monophosphatase and inositol polyphosphate-1-phosphatase, reducing intracellular inositol recycling. As a result, PIP2 signaling through the IP3/DAG pathway may be decreased, which helps reduce the excessive neuronal excitatory signaling associated with mania.
Reference(s):
1. Quiroz JA et al. (2010). Novel insights into lithium's mechanism of action: neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. Neuropsychobiology.
2. Serretti A et al. (2009). Lithium pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics: focus on inositol mono phosphatase (IMPase), inositol poliphosphatase (IPPase) and glycogen sinthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3 beta). Curr Med Chem.
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