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Examining Lithium's Mechanism in Bipolar Disorder
Sponsor: Northumbria University
Summary
The primary objective of the current study is to examine the acute effect of lithium on the visual and non-visual responses to light in a sample of healthy participants. Our experiments will investigate the effects of lithium on light sensitivity at the level of the retina as well as central visual and non-visual pathways. Our primary hypothesis is that the administration of lithium to healthy volunteers will reduce the magnitude of a range of non-visual responses to light including melatonin suppression, alertness, performance, mood and electrophysiology in a manner that is dependent of the amount of lithium in the brain. To better understand the postulated effects of lithium on light sensitivity and to examine its relationship at the level of the retina, we will assess the visual and non-visual responses to light, as well as the distribution of lithium in the brain using a non-invasive imaging technique. In addition to that, we also aim to examine the impact of both lithium and light on a molecular level through whole blood transcriptome sequencing.
Official title: Investigating the Acute Effect of Lithium on Visual and Non-visual Responses to Light in Healthy Individuals
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
45
Start Date
2026-08-01
Completion Date
2029-04-30
Last Updated
2026-08-06
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Lithium carbonate (Priadel)
Oral lithium carbonate 600 mg daily for 7 days prior to the second laboratory assessment (and for both days while in the laboratory)
Controlled light exposure
Participants undergo 90-minute dim light (\<1 lux) and light exposure (100-850 lux) conditions during laboratory assessments to evaluate visual and non-visual responses to light.
Locations (1)
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, United Kingdom