Lithium fluxes in human erythrocytes

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The contribution of 4 transport pathways to Li+ influx and efflux in human erythrocytes was determined quantitatively, using Li+ concentrations comparable to those found in vivo when Li+ was used as treatment for manic-depressive illness. All pathways were measured simultaneously on each subject''s blood sample to avoid possible temporal variations in transport parameters. Li+ efflux was 75% via countertransport and 25% via a leak. The bicarbonate-sensitive pathway accounted for 30% of influx; 70% was via a leak. The Na+-K+ pump made no significant contribution to Li+ influx or efflux under physiological conditions. Li+ efflux for a given [Li+] was 3-5 times the Li+ influx for the same [Li+]o. Due to interindividual variations in Na+-Li+ countertransport, Li+ efflux but not influx varied considerably among individuals.