Modulation of G/PLC-Mediated Signaling by Acute Lithium Exposure.

Although lithium has long been one of the most widely used pharmacological agents in psychiatry, its mechanisms of action at the cellular and molecular levels remain poorly understood. One of the targets of Li is the phosphoinositide pathway, but whereas the impact of Li on inositol lipid metabolism is well documented, information on physiological effects at the cellular level is lacking. We examined in two mammalian cell lines the effect of acute Li exposure on the mobilization of internal Ca and phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent membrane conductances.

The Complexity of Decreased Work Ability: Individuals' Perceptions of Factors That Affect Returning to Work after Sickness Absence.

Much of what has been written about decreased work ability is based on quantitative studies and has been written from the perspective of professionals, service providers or authorities. In our qualitative study, we sought to understand how affected individuals themselves perceive and experience the multifaceted factors that are related to their decreased work ability. Sixteen individuals in Finland with musculoskeletal diseases (MSD) participated in semi-structured interviews.

Light control of G protein signaling pathways by a novel photopigment.

Channelopsins and photo-regulated ion channels make it possible to use light to control electrical activity of cells. This powerful approach has lead to a veritable explosion of applications, though it is limited to changing membrane voltage of the target cells. An enormous potential could be tapped if similar opto-genetic techniques could be extended to the control of chemical signaling pathways.