title: Repression and reactivation of lithium efflux from erythrocytes.
abstract: Efflux of lithium from human erythrocytes was studied in patients before, during, and after discontinuation of administration of lithium carbonate. Onset of lithium-induced repression of efflux took approximately 10 days and was significantly shorter in patients who had had lithium therapy previously. Reactivation took a longer period of time--approximately 2 week--and was found to be related to duration of lithium therapy. Theoretical pathways of lithium flow through membranes are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium