Red cell caesium, lithium and selenium in abstinent alcoholics.
Using inductively coupled plasma source mass spectrometry, we have studied the red cell element concentrations of alcoholic subjects with different periods of abstinence before testing. We found consistently elevated red cell caesium concentrations and also reduced red cell selenium concentrations. These may represent persistent abnormalities in oxidation/anti-oxidation mechanisms, and red cell caesium in particular may be a long-term marker of alcohol dependence. Erythrocyte lithium, cerium and boron concentrations were also reduced in the abstinent alcoholic groups.
Argyll & Bute Hospital, Lochgilphead, U.K.
F M
FM
Corrigan
J A
JA
Besson
N I
NI
Ward
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001895:Boron / Q000097:blood; D002563:Cerium / Q000097:blood; D002586:Cesium / Q000097:blood*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008345:Manganese / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D012643:Selenium / Q000097:blood*; D013695:Temperance; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood
D002586:Cesium; D002563:Cerium; D008345:Manganese; D008094:Lithium; D012643:Selenium; D015032:Zinc; D001895:Boron