title: Erythrocyte lithium transport variables as a marker for manic-depressive disorder.
abstract: This study examines whether variability in the efflux of lithium from erythrocytes may be a marker for manic-depressive disorder in related individuals. The subjects of the study were 73 individuals from 12 families in which there was more than one bipolar manic-depressive member. Using an in vitro procedure, we subjected erythrocytes to four conditions which are believed to inhibit lithium efflux. Only phloretin, an inhibitor of Na+-Li+ countertransport, produced significant inhibition. Variability in this inhibition was not related to the presence or absence of manic-depressive disorder, although it was related to family membership. The implications of these findings are discussed.
mesh_terms: D017878:4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid; D012856:4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D002731:4-Chloromercuribenzenesulfonate / Q000494:pharmacology; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood*; D010042:Ouabain / Q000494:pharmacology; D010693:Phloretin / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers; D012856:4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic Acid; D010042:Ouabain; D002731:4-Chloromercuribenzenesulfonate; D008094:Lithium; D017878:4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid; D010693:Phloretin; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide