Lithium Effects on Normal Subjects

Abstract

15 normal subjects took lithium carbonate for 10 days in dosage sufficient to attain plasma lithium concentrations in the range of 0.7-1.4 mEq/1. Periodic blood specimens were analyzed for both plasma and RBC lithium. Subjects completed Profile of Mood States questionnaires every other day, and listed side effects. Just prior to beginning and ending the lithium trial, 10 subjects completed three tests of psychomotor function. Results indicate that such a course of lithium in normals induces dysphoric mood change and psychomotor slowing, without significant relationship to either plasma or RBC lithium concentrations.

RELAXANT EFFECTS OF LITHIUM ON GUINEA‐PIG TRACHEAL SMOOTH MUSCLE in vitro

“…Against this it may be countered that the concentrations we used were within the same range as those used to investigate lithium's effects on other smooth muscle when substituted for sodium ion in the extracellular medium. Moreover, the concentration of lithium in the plasma of patients receiving it is of the order of 1 mm (0.7-1.4mEq/l; White, Bohart, Whipple & Boyd, 1979), which, considering differences in species and route and duration of administration, means that differences between experimental and clinical concentrations may not be so vast.…”