[Lithium and the kidney. Acute effects on ADH secretion and enzymuria]

The short-term (30 days) effects of lithium carbonate on ADH secretion, urinary enzyme secretion (specific markers of tubular damage), fractional excretion of sodium, calcaemia, calciuria and fractional reabsorption of phosphate, plasma and urinary Ca, urea and creatinine clearance were assessed in 15 female patients with emotional disorders. An immediate increase in diuresis was noted. At least in the acute initial phase, this phenomenon appears to be caused by inhibited ADH incretion. No significant variation were noted in calciuria or the fraction of sodium secretion but there was a significant increase of enzymuria, confirming the potential nephrotoxicity of lithium treatment.