Sodium-dependent lithium efflux from red cells in affective disorders.
Steady state red blood cell/plasma lithium concentration ratios were determined simultaneously with the in vitro sodium-dependent downhill lithium efflux from red cells during maintenance lithium treatment in 22 bipolar depressed patients, 17 unipolar depressed patients, and 28 psychiatric control patients. The values of the sodium-dependent lithium efflux were significantly correlated with the steady-state lithium levels in red blood cells and plasma. A profound difference in sodium-dependent lithium efflux from red cells was found between controls and bipolar patients and to a lesser degree between controls and unipolar patients.
D000328:Adult; D000341:Affective Disorders, Psychotic / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012964:Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology*
D008094:Lithium; D012964:Sodium