Lithium (Li) actively antagonises the inhibiting action of vinca alkaloids
on human leukocyte chemotaxis; it proved to be related to the activation of
microtubular system, possibly mediated by its inhibiting effect on cyclic
AMP.
Vinca alkaloids induce peripheral neuropathy and muscle damage. The molecul
ar basis of this neurotoxicity has not been fully explained, but a possible
role of neurofibrillary degeneration has been reported. We studied both in
animals and in humans, whether Li is able to antagonise vinca alkaloid neu
rotoxicity.