Brain lithium concentrations measured with lithium-7 magnetic resonance spectroscopy in patients with affective disorders: relationship to erythrocyte and serum concentrations

Biol Psychiatry. 1993 Feb 1;33(3):147-52. doi: 10.1016/0006-3223(93)90133-x.

Abstract

Brain lithium concentrations were measured in eight patients with affective disorders using lithium-7 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Brain lithium concentrations correlated better with serum concentrations (n = 23, r = 0.66, p < 0.001) than with erythrocyte concentrations (r = 0.44, p < 0.05). Because of previous data in animal experiments these results were unexpected, but the differences in cation transport mechanisms between neurons and erythrocytes may account for the results.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bipolar Disorder / blood*
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Bipolar Disorder / psychology
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / physiology
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lithium Carbonate / pharmacokinetics*
  • Lithium Carbonate / therapeutic use
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy*
  • Male
  • Psychotic Disorders / blood*
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology

Substances

  • Lithium Carbonate