Changes in cerebral calcium, sodium and potassium after single or repeated administration of lithium in the rat
Scotto di Tella, A.M.; Pauli, A.M.; Dumoulin, B.; Benzina, Z.; Portugal, H.; Pastor, J.
L'Encephale 11(2): 53-56
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0013-7006 PMID: 4017938 Document Number: 252584
A single administration (IP) of lithium chloride in the rat induces a decrease in erythrocyte calcium, proportional to the lithium level (p less than 0.01) and a diminution in cerebral calcium (p less than 0.001) which is accompanied by decrease in cerebral sodium and potassium levels (p less than 0.001). Repeated administration (IP + VO) has the same cerebral effects. The authors report that the reversible decrease in calcium, sodium and potassium, resulting from an increase in cerebral lithium levels, can be demonstrated on sampling at 1.30 and 3 hours (IP), or at 12 hours (VO). These results are relevant to the treatment of manic illnesses using calcium antagonists.