Lithium increases N-acetyl-aspartate in the human brain: in vivo evidence in support of bcl-2's neurotrophic effects?
Background: Recent preclinical studies have shown that lithium (Li) robustly increases the
levels of the major neuroprotective protein, bcl-2, in rat brain and in cells of human neuronal
origin. These effects are accompanied by striking neuroprotective effects in vitro and in the
rodent central nervous system in vivo. We have undertaken the present study to determine if
lithium exerts neurotrophic/neuroprotective effects in the human brain in vivo. Methods:
Using quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) …
levels of the major neuroprotective protein, bcl-2, in rat brain and in cells of human neuronal
origin. These effects are accompanied by striking neuroprotective effects in vitro and in the
rodent central nervous system in vivo. We have undertaken the present study to determine if
lithium exerts neurotrophic/neuroprotective effects in the human brain in vivo. Methods:
Using quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) …