Perturbation of the human immune system by lithium.

The effect of lithium on the human immune system is unknown. We studied lymphocyte responses to mitogens and their ability to produce lymphokines in four patients before and during lithium therapy. We found that with time, lithium increased lymphocyte responses to mitogens (PHA and PWM) and lymphokine production was altered from migration stimulation factor to migration inhibition factor. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, we propose that lithium has an effect on the suppressor cell system.