Erythrocyte concentrations of the lithium ion: clinical correlates and mechanisms of action

Am J Psychiatry. 1978 Sep;135(9):1065-9. doi: 10.1176/ajp.135.9.1065.

Abstract

When lithium carbonate is administered to individuals, there is considerable intersubject variation in the extent of accumulation of Li+ by erythrocytes. The primary reason for this is differences in the activity of a Li+-Na+ counterflow system, which, under clinical conditions, removes Li+ from the cell. It appears that some bipolar patients accumulate more Li+ in their red cells than either unipolar depressives or normal controls. The precise clinical characteristics of the bipolar patients who accumulate relatively large amounts of erythrocyte Li+ need to be clarified in future research. Finally, the measurement of red cell concentrations of Li+, in addition to the usual plasma measurement, can be used as an indicator of patient compliance.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport, Active
  • Bipolar Disorder / blood
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Bipolar Disorder / metabolism
  • Erythrocytes / analysis*
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lithium / analysis*
  • Lithium / metabolism
  • Lithium / therapeutic use
  • Patient Compliance

Substances

  • Lithium