This is a very important paper. The identification of an observed and measured aberrant phenotype in an animal model that is rescued by an intervention commonly used in management of mania represents the standard for biological research in psychiatry. This is extraordinary work by a phenomenal team. The challenge is whether the observed phenotype in the mouse is related to bipolar mania in humans or some other neuro-excitable phenotype.

One cannot but think back to the original experiments of John Cade, where the lithium story began, that demonstrated a calming effect in rodents.

View all comments by Melvin G. McInnis