Time-dependent effects of lithium on the agonist-stimulated accumulation of second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

In order to approach the molecular mechanism of Li+'s mood-stabilizing action, the effect of Li+ (LiCl) on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] mass was investigated in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, which express muscarinic M3 receptors, coupled to PtdIns hydrolysis. Stimulation of these cells, with the cholinergic agonist acetylcholine, resulted in a rapid and transient increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 with a maximum at 10 s. This was followed by a rapid decline in Ins(1,4,5)P3 within 30 s to a plateau level above baseline, which gradually declined to reach a new steady state, which was significantly higher than resting Ins(1,4,5)P3 at 30 min. Li+ had no effect on Ins(1,4,5)P3 in resting cells, as well as on the acetylcholine-dependent peak of Ins(1,4,5)P3. However, Li+ caused a transient reduction (at 45 s), followed by a long lasting increase in the Ins(1,4,5)P3 (30 min), as compared with controls. The Li+ effects were dose-dependent and were observed at concentrations used in the treatment of bipolar disorders. Supplementation with inositol had no effect on the level of Ins(1,4,5)P3, at least over the time periods studied. Stimulation of muscarinic receptors with consequent activation of phospholipase C were necessary for the manifestation of Li+ effects in SH-SY5Y cells, Li+ did not interfere with degradation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 after receptor-blockade with atropine, suggesting that Li+ has no direct effect on the Ins(1,4,5)P3-metabolizing enzymes. A direct effect of Li+ on the phospholipase C also is unlikely. Blockade of Ca2+ entry into the cells by Ni2+, or incubation with EGTA, which reduces agonist-stimulated accumulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3, had no effect on the Li(+)-dependent increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3.