Posted by Squiggles on August 7, 2005, at 21:29:52
In reply to Re: Neurogenerative properties of lithium, posted by linkadge on August 7, 2005, at 19:50:23
I appreciate the explanation. I can't
understand much of this, partly because
the medical nomenclature is unfamiliar,
and mostly because this is terra incognita
to me.> Some researchers believe that bipolar disorder is a genetic disease related to a specific abnormality in glutamate neurotransmission.
Yes, I've heard of the glutamate theory, as
well as the lithium ions crossing the cell membrane theory, vaguely;
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> We know that carabazapine (tegretol) can treat some people's bipolar without producing trophic capabilities, and/or without producing neurogenesis.Maybe tegretol is similar to lithium, without
the neurogenerative side effects?
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> So the disease may start because of a abnormality in the regulation of certain neruomodulators, but may progress and worsen due to the downstream neurodegenerative effects of this disregulation.
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Hmm, sounds hypothetical. But i'm a layman.> Lithium may have a broader theraputic application thant tegretol due to its ability to produce neuromodulation *and* neurogenesis.
I guess I just have to study this stuff, to
say anything worthwhile. I do notice however,
that there is great emphasis on the tail-end
of the illness - i.e. the effects on the brain,
and not much on prime causes, like endocrinological changes that may effect the brain. Just a thought, because Kraeplin did
menion many possible causes (with genetic being
the most likely) but also atherosclerosis of the
brain, as well as metabolic changes. Also,
the fact that post-partum depression seems
related to hormonal changes may give one the
impression that endocrinology is not considered
as important as neurology.Squiggles
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> Linkadge
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poster:Squiggles
thread:538676
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050803/msgs/538885.html