title: The Na,K-ATPase hypothesis for bipolar illness.
abstract: A cellular model for bipolar illness is presented. It is propounded that alterations in the activity of the membrane sodium- and potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase pump (Na,K-ATPase) may be responsible for alterations in neuronal excitability and activity. Specifically, a reduction in Na,K-ATPase activity can lead to both mania and depression by increasing membrane excitability and decreasing neurotransmitter release, respectively. Supporting evidence is reviewed, and clinical and research implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Neuropsychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Neuropsychiatric Research Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: el-Mallakh
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Wyatt
mesh_terms: D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase