A method for the determination of sodium, potassium, magnesium and lithium concentrations in erythrocytes

doi:10.1016/0009-8981(72)90026-5

Clinica Chimica Acta

Volume 36, Issue 2, February 1972, Pages 499-509

https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-8981(72)90026-5 Get rights and content

Abstract

A technique for the rapid and accurate estimation of intra-erythrocyte concentrations of Na, K, Li and Mg is described. CoEDTA is used as a marker to estimate plasma trapped in the red cell column ; the use of this compound constitutes a novel departure from other marker substances previously used. Plasma trapping was found to average close to 3% (v/v) of the packed cell column. RBC electrolyte values obtained from healthy control subjects were shown to be in good agreement with values reported in the literature.

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We examined lithium distribution after a single dose of 25 mEq in 14 drug-free manic patients. Lithium concentrations were measured in plasma, red blood cells, and urine. Maximum concentrations of lithium, times at which they were attained, and influx and efflux rate constants for extracellular fluid, red blood cell, and muscle-like compartments were estimated using a three-compartment pharmacokinetic model. Tissue lithium concentrations may continue to increase for hours after plasma lithium concentrations have peaked. Rate constants for absorption, excretion, and influx and efflux for the tissue compartments were similar to those previously reported for normal subjects. Rate constants for transport into and out of the tissue compartments correlated negatively with norepinephrine or epinephrine excretion and positively with the plasma/red cell Na⁺ gradient. Rate constants for efflux from red blood cell and muscle compartments correlated with measures of adrenocortical function and were higher in dexamethasone nonsuppressors than in suppressors. These data show that distribution of lithium may be related to sympathodrenal activity and Na⁺ distribution in manic patients.
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Magnesium is an important element for health and disease. Magnesium, the second most abundant intracellular cation, has been identified as a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions involving energy metabolism and protein and nucleic acid synthesis. Approximately half of the total magnesium in the body is present in soft tissue, and the other half in bone. Less than 1% of the total body magnesium is present in blood. Nonetheless, the majority of our experimental information comes from determination of magnesium in serum and red blood cells. At present, we have little information about equilibrium among and state of magnesium within body pools. Magnesium is absorbed uniformly from the small intestine and the serum concentration controlled by excretion from the kidney. The clinical laboratory evaluation of magnesium status is primarily limited to the serum magnesium concentration, 24-hour urinary excretion, and percent retention following parenteral magnesium. However, results for these tests do not necessarily correlate with intracellular magnesium. Thus, there is no readily available test to determine intracellular/total body magnesium status. Magnesium deficiency may cause weakness, tremors, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, hypocacemia, and hypocalcemia. The causes of hypomagnesemia are reduced intake (poor nutrition or IV fluids without magnesium), reduced absorption (chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, or bypass/resection of bowel), redistribution (exchange transfusion or acute pancreatitis), and increased excretion (medication, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, renal tubular disorders, hypercalcemia, hyperthyroidism, aldosteronism, stress, or excessive lactation). A large segment of the U.S. population may have an inadequate intake of magnesium and may have a chronic latent magnesium deficiency that has been liked to atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, hypertension, cancer, kidney stones, premenstrual syndrome, and psychiatric disorders. Hypermagnesemia is primarily seen in acute and chronic renal failure, and is treated effectively by dialysis.
Interdependency of lithium ratio, plasma lithium level and clinical state in patients with affective disorders
1985, Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry
1. The Interrelationship between lithium ratio, lithium plasma level and the different clinical phases of 31 patients with bipolar affective disorder has been investigated. the interdependency of these variables was followed longitudinally during different phases of the illness while under lithium therapy.
2. Although positive correlations between lithium ratio and lithium plasma levels were evident, the lithium ratio values in the euthymic group were significantly higher than those in the manic and depressive groups, independently of the plasma lithium level.
3. Our data suggested that RBC/plasma lithium ratio might be a sensitive state dependent index in affective bipolar illness.
Blood cells as biological trait markers in affective disorders
1984, Journal of Psychiatric Research
Data are reviewed on platelet monoamine oxidase activity, red blood cell/plasma lithium ratio, and tritiated imipramine binding to platelet membranes as trait markers for affective disorders. The results of various studies are not in agreement. Differences in methodological procedure are probably central to such discrepancies. At the present time, no single biological abnormality of blood cells has proved to be a trait marker for affective disorders; thus their use to identify vulnerability to mood disorders or predict favorrable response to pharmacological treatment appears to be premature.
Plasma and erythrocyte electrolytes in affective disorders
1983, Journal of Affective Disorders
Plasma and erythrocyte sodium (Na⁺), total and free (ultrafiltrable) plasma magnesium (Mg²⁺) as well as erythrocyte magnesium were measured in patients with affective disorders and in healthy control subjects. Depressed and manic patients had higher total plasma Mg²⁺ than did hospitalized healthy control subjects, but concentrations of ultrafiltrable Mg²⁺ did not differ. Although erythrocyte Mg²⁺ was significantly elevated in the depressed subjects in comparison with that found in the non-hospitalized healthy controls, this difference was not seen between the depressives and the hospitalized healthy controls. Depressed, manic or healthy control subjects did not differ with respect to either plasma or erythrocyte Na⁺ concentrations. These studies do not demonstrate any physiologically important abnormality of Mg²⁺ or Na⁺ metabolism in depressed or manic patients.

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^☆: This research was supported by Part I research funds from the Veterans Administration and by NIMH grant # l R03 MH16920 MSM.

^∗∗: Present address: National Institute of Mental Health. Rockville, Maryland.

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A method for the determination of sodium, potassium, magnesium and lithium concentrations in erythrocytes☆

Abstract

J. Psychiat. Res.

J. Biol. Chem.

Blood

Clin. Chim. Acta

Comp. Biochem. Physiol.

Brit. J. Psychiat.

Brit. Med. J.

Dis. Nerv. Syst.

J. Physiol. (London)

J. Physiol. (London)

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

J. Physiol. (London)

J. Clin. Invest.

J. Clin. Invest.

J. Gen. Physiol.

J. Physiol.

J. Gen. Physiol.