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.
Abstract Teaser