Abstract
Na+, K+, Ca++ and Mg++ concentrations in urine and serum were determined in male rats treated for 14 days with lithium carbonate at doses of 7.5 and 15 mg/100g body weight (b.w.), while each animal was kept in a metabolism cage. In spite of polyuria and polydipsia no variations in Na+ and K+ urinary excretion and serum concentrations were found, while a statistically significant increase in Ca++ and Mg++ serum concentration and renal excretion were detected. These variations were dose dependent. Ca++ seemed the most sensitive to lithium activity and Mg++ urinary excretion showed a significant increase only in the 15 mg/100 g b.w. treated rats. pH, creatinine excretion, lithium concentrations in urine and serum were measured, and histological and electron microscopic examination of the kidney made.
The possible activity of lithium on the system controlling the physiological balance of Ca++ and Mg++ is discussed.
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Andreoli, V.M., Villani, F. & Brambilla, G. Increased calcium and magnesium excretion induced by lithium carbonate. Psychopharmacologia 25, 77–85 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00422619
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00422619