[Lithium-induced lesions in the rat retina--potentiation by light]

The treatment of manic-depressive patients with lithium salts is a widespread procedure. Ocular side effects of this therapy comprise changes in electrophysiological and psychophysical parameters. Photochemical damage to the human and animal retina is a widely recognized and investigated phenomenon. The present paper describes lithium-induced changes in the albino rat retina on a morphological and biochemical level that are significantly enhanced by acute light exposure in an intensity-dependent manner. Preliminary biochemical data reveal an increase in phosphatidylinositol metabolites. As a clinical consequence of the study the authors advocate careful ophthalmological examination of chronically lithium-treated patients, especially those suffering from retinal degeneration or who are exposed to light of higher than normal intensity.