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.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
History of psychiatric or neurological disorders
First-degree family history of psychosis or severe mood disorder
Current or past suicidal ideation or self-harm
Current, chronic infections or diseases.
Life-threatening allergies, specifically a nut allergy.
Known visual disorders e.g., colour blindness, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy.
Known medical conditions that could affect the conduct of the study including
Taking any long-term or regular medications other than oral contraceptives (e.g., antidepressants, diuretics (water-tablets), pain killers or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) or medications for high blood pressure).
Have donated blood in the past 1 month
Regular or recent recreational drug use
Chronic alcohol addiction/misuse
Known contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging such as pacemaker or metal implants, recent surgery, severe claustrophobia and/or recent head or neck tattoos.
A current smoker (including use of cigarettes, vapes, and/or cigars).
Planning to travel across time zones at any point in time during the conduct of the study or have travelled across time zones within 1 month prior to enrolment.
Currently work night shifts
Been a shift worker in the past 3 months.
Current enrolment in any other interventional studies
Enrolment in any other interventional studies in the 1 month prior to the start of participation in this study
nayantara.santhi@northumbria.ac.uk
All participants will complete a no-lithium condition (control) followed by a lithium condition (intervention). During both conditions, visual and non-visual responses to controlled light exposure are assessed.
saranea.g@northumbria.ac.uk+447587590262
Investigation of Lithium on Signal Transduction, Gene Expression and Brain Myo-Inositol Levels in Manic Patients
Neurofunctional and Neurochemical Markers of Treatment Response in Bipolar Disorder
In Vivo Lithium Treatment Effects on Gene Expression Levels in Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines From Human Healthy Subjects