ELEVATION OF CHOLINE AND GLYCINE IN RED-BLOOD-CELLS OF PSYCHIATRIC-PATIENTS DUE TO LITHIUM TREATMENT

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 16  (9) , 825-830
Abstract
Levels of choline (Ch) and glycine (Gly) were determined in red blood cells (RBC) from psychiatric patients who were either on Li therapy or Li-free and normal subjects. Subjects were divided into 4 groups: normal subjects who have never received Li+; Li+-free affective patients; Li+-free patients with various psychiatric disorders; and affective patients under Li+ treatment. The patient groups included affective, schizophrenic, shizo-affective disorders, as well as patients with organic brain syndrome and Cornelia de Lange sydrome. In general, all patients on therapeutic dosages of Li+ had significantly higher levels of Ch in RBC when compared to Li+-free normals or patients. Gly levels in RBC were also significantly higher in patients on Li+ compared to normals or Li+-free affective disorder patients. Plasma Ch was significantly elevated in patients receiving Li+. There was an apparently predictable time course between cessation of Li+ therapy and decreases in levels of Ch and Gly in RBC to normal levels; in Ch of .apprx. 30-40 days, in Gly of < 6 days. There were no significant differences in Ch between Li+-free patients, irrespective of their disorder, and normal subjects. RBC Gly levels were equivalent between normal subjects and Li+-free patients. Apparently, elevations in Gly and Ch are more a function of Li+ therapy than of psychiatric diagnosis.