Inhibition of L-alanine aminotransferase by lithium salts

Pharmacologic concentrations of either LiCl, LiN03 and LiF or the lithium salts of pyruvic or glutamic acids inhibit the formation of alanine arising from the transamination of glutamate in the presence of pyruvate. Lithium pyruvate is the most effective inhibitor, while the addition of K+ to the incubation reaction can effectively reduce this inhibition. Some possible modes of action of the lithium ion is presented.