Lithium prevents early cytosolic calcium increase and secondary injurious calcium overload in glycolytically inhibited endothelial cells

We conclude that lithium chloride abolishes the injurious [Ca2+]i overload in EC and that this most likely occurs by preventing inositol 3-phosphate-sensitive Ca2+-release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Though further research is needed, these findings provide a novel option for therapeutic strategies to protect the endothelium against imminent barrier failure.