Biomaterial Database

Lithium-induced changes in plasma amino acid levels during treatment of affective disorders. 1983

W P Leighton, and S Rosenblatt, and J D Chanley

Plasma amino acid (AA) profiles were determined in patients with bipolar affective disorders before and during treatment with lithium (Li) carbonate. After 90 days of Li intake, there were moderately (20-60%) but significantly decreased plasma levels of isoleucine, leucine, and valine. After 150 days of Li intake, the plasma lysine was also significantly decreased (12%). No significant changes in plasma levels were noted for any of the other 17 AAs that were studied. Since isoleucine, leucine, and valine are important competitors of tryptophan uptake at the blood-brain barrier, these observations suggest a possible mechanism for the therapeutic activity of Li, i.e., the enhancement of brain serotonin levels.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007532	Isoleucine	An essential branched-chain aliphatic amino acid found in many proteins. It is an isomer of LEUCINE. It is important in hemoglobin synthesis and regulation of blood sugar and energy levels.	Alloisoleucine,Isoleucine, L-Isomer,L-Isoleucine,Isoleucine, L Isomer,L-Isomer Isoleucine
D007930	Leucine	An essential branched-chain amino acid important for hemoglobin formation.	L-Leucine,Leucine, L-Isomer,L-Isomer Leucine,Leucine, L Isomer
D008094	Lithium	An element in the alkali metals family. It has the atomic symbol Li, atomic number 3, and atomic weight [6.938; 6.997]. Salts of lithium are used in treating BIPOLAR DISORDER.	Lithium-7,Lithium 7
D008239	Lysine	An essential amino acid. It is often added to animal feed.	Enisyl,L-Lysine,Lysine Acetate,Lysine Hydrochloride,Acetate, Lysine,L Lysine
D008297	Male		Males
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000596	Amino Acids	Organic compounds that generally contain an amino (-NH2) and a carboxyl (-COOH) group. Twenty alpha-amino acids are the subunits which are polymerized to form proteins.	Amino Acid,Acid, Amino,Acids, Amino
D001714	Bipolar Disorder	A major affective disorder marked by severe mood swings (manic or major depressive episodes) and a tendency to remission and recurrence.	Affective Psychosis, Bipolar,Bipolar Disorder Type 1,Bipolar Disorder Type 2,Bipolar Mood Disorder,Depression, Bipolar,Manic Depression,Manic Disorder,Manic-Depressive Psychosis,Psychosis, Manic-Depressive,Type 1 Bipolar Disorder,Type 2 Bipolar Disorder,Psychoses, Manic-Depressive,Bipolar Affective Psychosis,Bipolar Depression,Bipolar Disorders,Bipolar Mood Disorders,Depression, Manic,Depressions, Manic,Disorder, Bipolar,Disorder, Bipolar Mood,Disorder, Manic,Manic Depressive Psychosis,Manic Disorders,Mood Disorder, Bipolar,Psychoses, Bipolar Affective,Psychoses, Manic Depressive,Psychosis, Bipolar Affective,Psychosis, Manic Depressive
D014633	Valine	A branched-chain essential amino acid that has stimulant activity. It promotes muscle growth and tissue repair. It is a precursor in the penicillin biosynthetic pathway.	L-Valine,L Valine