• 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 209  (3) , 327-329
Abstract
The effect of water deprivation on Li clearance was studied in rats with Li-induced polyuria. During a 3-h period of water deprivation, the rats lost water in amounts corresponding to about 10% of body weight. Li clearance fell to about 25% of the level observed in rats which were not H2O deprived. During shorter periods of water deprivation, the fall of Li clearance was less. The decrease of Li clearance was partly due to a fall of inulin clearance and partly due to a fall of fractional Li excretion. The decrease of the 2 variables contributed to the same extent to the decrease of Li clearance. The findings apparently support the suggestion that insufficient intake of water in patients with Li-induced polyuria may lead to a rapid lowering of Li clearance and, hence, to a rise of the serum Li concentration and development of intoxication.