EFFECTS OF LITHIUM AND CAFFEINE ON METHYLPHENIDATE INDUCED ENDOCRINOLOGICAL ALTERATION IN AN ANIMAL MODEL OF MANIA

This is the first study to examine the endocrinological role of caffeine (CAF) in lithium chloride (LiCl) treated methylphenidate (MPH) induced mania in mice. Previous evidence suggests that a hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis dysfunction and testosterone level is related to the pathophysiology and clinical course of bipolar mania. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is also likely to be greater among patients with rapid cycling and other refractory forms of the Bipolar disorder (BPD). Our results indicated that MPH treatment decreased the T3 and T4 levels, whereas TSH levels have been increased in mice serum. Testosterone levels were increased in MPH treated mice and it has been reverted by the combined LiCl and CAF treatment. The levels of thyroid hormone were normalized by the synergistic effects by CAF with LiCl. This study suggests that testosterone levels may be related to the course of bipolar disorder and suicidal behavior. Further studies of the role of CAF with LiCl co-administration in the neurobiology of bipolar mania are merited.