Abstract

MAP kinases and pathway proteins, such as ERK 1/2, may be associated with the etiology of mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, and these proteins have been identified as targets for mood stabilizers. There is evidence to suggest that ERK activation effects GABA secretion inhibition. This study was designed to measure phosphorylated ERK 1/2 and GABA in individuals with Bipolar Disorder and to begin to determine if there is a relationship between them.

Methods

We used ELISAs to measure the concentration of cellular, phosphorylated ERK ½ and plasma GABA levels in 34 individuals with Bipolar Disorder and 34 neurotypical, age and gender similar controls.

Results

We found that activated ERK 1/2 was significantly lower than in individuals with Bipolar Disorder compared to controls, and that these decreased levels correlated significantly with high GABA in these same patients.

Discussion

We suggest that in Bipolar Disorder, low ERK levels may result in high GABA, and that mood stabilizers, such as lithium and valproate, which act upon and raise ERK levels.