[Current hypotheses on the mechanism of action of lithium]

This article aims to clarify and organize the recent advances in research on the central action mechanism of lithium. It begins by tackling the process of cellular transport of the cation, then it moves on to describe the effects of lithium on ionic distribution and on membranous functioning in general. Neurotransmission in this article is the object of a more detailed study. The metabolism of neurotransmitters (and their disturbances) is first discussed. The emphasis is placed on certain current domains, the gabaergic system in particular. Neurotransmitters, by themselves, do not satisfy any longer the curiosity of biologists. Technological progress has given these scientists access to the intimate functioning of receptors and to their natural support system, the membrane. The stabilizing effect of lithium is mentioned often. Initially seen at a superficial level, it leads to a study of the mechanisms of the transference of information from the receptor to the cell. The membranous phospholipids and the enzymatic systems controlling the metabolism of the second messengers (cyclic nucleotides but also calcium) will provide as many potential targets to the action of lithium.