The effect of lithium on dopaminergic neural pathways in the brain
The effect of lithium on dopaminergic neural pathways in the brain
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Original abstract
Dopaminergic dysfunction is key to the pathogenesis of several diseases, including Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, various addictions, and affective disorders. However, available treatment options are unable to fully reverse dopaminergic dysfunction or the underlying condition. The search for new pharmacological agents has identified lithium, a mood stabilizer that is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. The effects of lithium are reported to be fully or partially mediated by its action on dopaminergic neural pathways in the brain. Moreover, lithium may play a key role in complex therapies for diseases involving dopaminergic pathway dysfunction. Further research requires a summary of the available information on the effects of low doses of lithium on dopaminergic neural pathways in the brain, as well as the underlying mechanisms. This is what the authors of this review aimed to accomplish. A review revealed that lithium affects dopaminergic neural pathways by altering baseline dopamine levels and the extent of tonic and phasic dopamine release. However, various studies have reported decreases, increases, and no changes in these parameters. Because of the lack of consistent and reliable data in publications, it is impossible to determine which experimental factors influence changes in brain structure, which are used to measure dopamine levels, or the duration of lithium exposure. Further research is required.