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Possible mechanism for the biological action of lithium

Nature volume 263, pages 237–239 (1976)Cite this article

Abstract

IN spite of considerable early controversy it is now generally recognised that lithium has a favourable therapeutic effect on affective disorders and for some years lithium salts have been used with some degree of success in medical practice1,2. Curiously, in spite of the extreme simplicity of lithium as a drug, there is little understanding of its mode of action. In this article we outline a possible explanation.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. J. J. R. FRAUSTO DA SILVA: On sabbatical leave at St. Edmund Hall and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford, from the New University of Lisbon.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro de Quimica Estrutural, Instituto Superior Tecnic, Lisbon, Portugal

    J. J. R. FRAUSTO DA SILVA

  2. Wadham College and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QR, UK

    R. J. P. WILLIAMS

Authors
  1. J. J. R. FRAUSTO DA SILVA
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  2. R. J. P. WILLIAMS
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FRAUSTO DA SILVA, J., WILLIAMS, R. Possible mechanism for the biological action of lithium. Nature 263, 237–239 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/263237a0

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