title: Prediction of in vivo red cell/plasma Li+ ratios by in vitro methods.
abstract: Two incubation procedures were used for the determination, in vitro, of the steady-state Li+ ratio between red cells and external media. The Li+ ratio in vitro determined prior to Li+ therapy correlates significantly with the subsequent ratio in vivo between red cells and plasma in patients treated with Li+. The Li+ ratio determined in vitro in patients during Li+ therapy was significantly higher than the value determined during the pretreatment, drug-free period that correlated significantly with Li+ ratios in vivo. The in vitro procedure used thus could be applied in the prediction of the in vivo Li+ ratio, and possibly of the response to Li+, in patients before treatment is begun. It also could be used for studies on abnormalities and on the genetics of Li+ transport in affective illness.
mesh_terms: D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000494:pharmacology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood*; D010949:Plasma / Q000378:metabolism*; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D001639:Bicarbonates; D008094:Lithium; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium