Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
10:17
The Tail Suspension Test
Published on: January 28, 2012
Summary
Lithium (Li) treatment for bipolar disorder increases white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, due to enhanced production. This molecule may offer future therapeutic potential for hematologic abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lithium (Li) is used to treat manic-depressive illness.
- Patients treated with Li develop leukocytosis (elevated white blood cells).
- This suggests Li has hematopoietic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hematopoietic effects of lithium.
- To understand how Li influences blood cell production.
- To review Li's potential in treating neutropenia.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observations of patients treated with Li.
- Experimental studies on hematopoietic effects.
- In vitro studies using cell cultures (CFUNM) and colony-stimulating factor (CSF).
Main Results:
- Li increases neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes in healthy individuals.
- Platelets may increase, while lymphocytes and erythrocytes are unaffected.
- Li stimulates the production of colony-stimulating factor (CSF), influencing neutrophil and macrophage production.
Conclusions:
- Lithium increases neutrophil production and total neutrophil count.
- The exact mechanism (direct effect vs. feedback loop) is unclear.
- Li shows promise for treating certain hematologic abnormalities, including neutropenia.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Hematopoiesis
The process of blood cell formation is called hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis starts early during development, on the seventh day of embryogenesis. This phase of hematopoiesis is called the primitive wave, wherein the extraembryonic yolk sac allows the production of erythroid cells and endothelial cells from a common precursor called hemangioblast. The erythroid cells provide oxygen to support the growth of the rapidly dividing embryo. Hemangioblasts later develop into hematopoietic stem cells or...
01:19Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
The hematopoietic stem cells or HSCs are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate and give rise to all blood and immune cells. HSCs are maintained in the quiescent stage until an external stimulus initiates their differentiation. The multipotent HSCs exist as two heterogeneous populations, long-term repopulating cells (LTRC) and short-term repopulating cells (STRC). The two HSC populations have different surface markers or receptors and are classified based on quiescence and long-term...
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
01:24Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as a...
01:20Overview of Hematopoiesis
Hematopoiesis, or blood cell production, is a vital biological process that begins early in embryonic development and continues throughout life. This process generates the various types of cells found in blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).
Developmental Phases of Hematopoiesis
Initially, HSCs are formed in the embryonic yolk sac, a critical site for early blood cell production. These stem cells subsequently migrate to other...
Developmental Phases of Hematopoiesis
Initially, HSCs are formed in the embryonic yolk sac, a critical site for early blood cell production. These stem cells subsequently migrate to other...
01:28Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Hematopoietic growth factors are molecules that regulate the differentiation rate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Erythropoietin (EPO), primarily produced by the kidneys, plays a crucial role in erythrocyte production. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, EPO is released into the bloodstream, reaching the bone marrow, where it stimulates HSCs to differentiate and mature into erythrocytes, which are vital for oxygen transport.
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...