Lithium induces intestinothrophic effects in the healthy colon, but does not ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice

Abstract

Summary Background & aims Ulcerative colitis is characterized by severe damage of the colon epithelium. Wnt-signaling is important for repair and regeneration of the intestinal epithelium. Lithium activates Wnt-signaling through inhibition of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β. Lithium induced prolonged remission in a patient with a bipolar disorder and ulcerative colitis, suggesting a therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis. Methods Here, we investigated the effect of lithium (4 mg/day via a subcutaneous osmotic pump) on 5% dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in female Balb/c mice. Results At day 7, colon length was significantly increased in lithium-treated compared to untreated mice (8.6 cm [7.0–9.5] versus 7.6 cm [6.7–8.0], p p Conclusions Lithium has no therapeutic effect on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice. However, in the healthy intestine it shows intestinothrophic potential that might be beneficial for short bowel patients.