Cation transport in lymphoblastoid cell lines established from bipolar manic-depressive patients

Lymphoblastoid cell lines established from patients suffering from bipolar manic depression have been used to study the possible involvement of cation transport in the aetiology of this illness. No significant difference was found in the K+ fluxes mediated by the ouabain-sensitive sodium pump, the diuretic-sensitive cotransport system and the passive leak pathway of cell lines established from either control or bipolar subjects. The mean value for the specific binding of 3H-ouabain (sodium pump site number) was significantly higher in the bipolar group (approximately 30%) than in the control group.