[Neurobiology of lithium].

In addition to well-documented mood-stabilizing effects, lithium can be used in the treatment of acute brain injuries (ischemia) and chronic (neurodegenerative) diseases. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies reveal that the long-term treatment with lithium up-regulates cell survival molecules (Bcl-2, cAMP-responsive element binding protein, GRP 78, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, Hsp70) and down-regulates pro-apoptotic activities (e.g., excitotoxicity, p53, Bax, caspase, cytochrome C release, beta-amyloid peptide production and tau hyperphosphorylation) thus preventing or even reversing the neuronal cell death and neurogenesis retardation.