title: Lithium and immune function.
abstract: Lithium has potent antiviral and immunostimulating properties which are probably consequences of its actions on prostaglandin synthesis. Although lithium has considerable potential in the prophylaxis of some viral illnesses and other manifestations of defective immune function, it is, paradoxically, capable of activating autoimmune mechanisms in predisposed patients.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lieb
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D003863:Depression / Q000276:immunology; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D008094:Lithium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000276:immunology; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D011453:Prostaglandins; D008094:Lithium