title: Linoleic acid in the treatment of lithium toxicity and familial tremor.
abstract: Lithium inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandin (PG) EI by blocking the mobilisation of dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA). Toxicity due to lithium might re related to reduced PGEI formation. In five patients who developed toxic effects on low doses of lithium, linoleic acid in the forms of the safflower oil was given in an attempt to raise levels of the linoleic acid metabolite, DGLA. In al five patients the safflower oil was effective in remitting the symptoms of neurotoxicity. Safflower oil was also effective in a patient with familial tremor.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000188:drug therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004041:Dietary Fats; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008041:Linoleic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009821:Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012450:Safflower Oil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014202:Tremor / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D009821:Oils; D012450:Safflower Oil; D008094:Lithium