Neurochemical changes during discontinuation of lithium prophylaxis. II. Alterations in platelet serotonin function

Following lithium discontinuation, a decrease in the Vmax of platelet serotonin uptake and increased platelet serotonin content was noted. These changes correlated negatively with duration of lithium treatment. Whether these changes also occur in the brain and have any relevance to the prophylactic effects of treatment with lithium cannot be determined from these studies. In view of the probable relevance of serotonin to the etiology of affective disorders, these findings could be of clinical importance and should be the basis for further investigation.