Posted by SLS on November 3, 2000, at 14:27:27
In reply to Re: Article: Lithium increases brain volume ?, posted by danf on November 3, 2000, at 13:12:43
Dear DanF,
This doesn't sound like you. :-)
Lithium does a SH_T-LOAD of things, very few of which I think can be discounted as not in some way contributing to its therapeutic effects. Unlike the anticonvulsant mood-stabilizers, I don't think lithium works to "stabilize" axonal propagation of action potentials.
Lithium has an acute antimanic effect. It may not be as rapid as Depakote, but it is certainly too fast to attribute it to changes in G-protein receptors. It is the inhibition in the synthesis of these receptors that is thought to help account for lithium's prophylactic properties. Perhaps the putative changes in the secretion of neurotropic peptides has a place here as well.
It seems plausible to me that chronic exposure of neuronal tissue to neurotrophin could account for a number as small as 3%.
I don't feel one way or the other about the results of this one study. I just thought it was interesting.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you frequently verbalize that "we", in general, don't have enough of a grasp of what goes on in the brain with regard to affective-disorders to so quickly embrace or reject explanations as to what is going on there.
> So where does this leave us ? Given time & more research, the best fit theory will win out...
No way!
> The fact that Li is protective in some situations (BP MDD ), does not mean that it will automatically stimulate or promote healing of injured or damaged neurons under other circumstances.
I'm not sure that this was stated as the implication of their results. If you happen upon the article, please post the salient points.
It is possible that neurotropins foster an increase in neurites and dendritic connections to circumvent the dysfunctional neurons, and not necessarily reanimate necrotic tissue. I imagine that anything that promotes an increase in the plasticity of the brain would encourage some rather creative ways for it to deal with injury.
One of the most vigorously studied aspects of the treatment of Parkinson's disease is to try to arrest the condition, not necessarily heal damaged terminals. Inducing an increase in endogenous neuroprotective substances may help to accomplish this.
Don't neurotrophins help in the regeneration of nerves in the spinal chord?
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:47998
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001102/msgs/48133.html