title: Erythrocyte concentrations of the lithium ion: clinical correlates and mechanisms of action.
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.
mesh_terms: D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010349:Patient Compliance
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium