Abstract
Thyroid iodine release measured by the double isotope method of Nicoloff was studied in patients with manic-depressive illness before, during and after treatment with lithium carbonate. The urinary 125I/131I isotope ratio was measured following administration of Na125I and 131I-thyroxine. In three of four subjects, lithium caused a transient decrease in diurnal variation and a temporary reduction in the normal increase of the 125I/131I ratio during the first week of therapy or after a lithium dose increase. In addition, in two of three subjects, a rebound increase in the isotope ratio occurred following cessation of lithium administration. These changes most likely represent a direct inhibitory effect of lithium on the thyroid iodine release process.
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Carlson, H.E., Robbins, J. & Murphy, D.L. The effect of lithium on thyroid iodine release in patients with primary affective disorder. Psychopharmacologia 35, 249–256 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00437754
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00437754