Lithium stimulates the binding of GTP to the membranes of PC12 cells cultured with nerve growth factor

The mechanism of action of lithium regarding its therapeutic effects has not yet been established, despite many years of clinical use and scientific investigations. We recently reported that lithium stimulates the phospholipase C of NGF differentiated PC12 cells membranes. In view of the coupling between growth factor receptors, G proteins and phospholipase C, we investigated the effects of lithium on the binding of GTP to the membranes of PC12 cells cultured with NGF. Lithium (1.1 mM) increased 4-5-fold the Bmax of the binding of [3H]GTP to the PC12 membranes. NaF did not induce a similar stimulation.