Rubidium: Biochemical, Behavioral, and Metabolic Studies in Humans
RONALD R. FIEVE M.D.1,
HERBERT MELTZER PH.D.2,
DAVID L. DUNNER M.D.3,
MORTON LEVITT PH.D.3,
JULIEN MENDLEWICZ M.D.4, , and
ANN THOMAS M.S.
1 Chief of Psychiatric Research, Metabolic Unit and Lithium Outpatient Clinic, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 722 West 168th St., New York, N.Y. 10032
2 Associate Research Scientist, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 722 West 168th St., New York, N.Y. 10032
3 Principal Research Scientist, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 722 West 168th St., New York, N.Y. 10032
4 Visiting Psychiatrist, Department of Medical Genetics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 722 West 168th St., New York, N.Y. 10032 and also Research Associate in the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University
A growing body of experimental evidence indicates that rubidium possesses unique neurophysiological characteristics in animal systems, suggesting a need for investigating its antidepressant potential in humans. Lithium, an element in the same periodic series, has been used successfully in the treatment of mania. A number of studies have demonstrated that rubidium and lithium have contrasting behavioral, EEG, and biochemical properties. Over a period of 20 to 86 days. five depressed patients received varying doses of rubidium chloride, up to a maximum of 370 mEq. retained. No immediate or long-term side effects were recorded in this preliminary dose range. Behavioral and metabolic data are presented for these patients, along with a discussion of the safety factors.
