Lithium Concentration in Biological Samples and Gender Difference in Athletic Horses

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Equine Sports Medicine
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Lithium (Li+) is used for human psychiatric disorders, but its effects and detection in horses are not well-documented.
• Its potential neurotrophic effects raise concerns about its use as a doping substance in equine sports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate lithium bioaccumulation in equine blood, serum, mane, and tail.
• To identify hematological parameters as potential biomarkers for lithium bioaccumulation.
• To analyze gender-specific differences in lithium distribution.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of lithium concentrations in blood, serum, mane, and tail of 30 horses (15 geldings, 15 mares).
• Measurement of hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC).
• Statistical analysis including ANOVA, t-tests, and Pearson correlation.

Main Results:

• Higher lithium concentrations were observed in blood and mane overall.
• Mares showed higher lithium levels in mane and tail compared to geldings.
• Significant correlations were found between blood, serum, and tail lithium levels, and between blood and most hematological parameters.

Conclusions:

• Lithium biodistribution in athletic horses is influenced by sample type and gender.
• Hematological parameters show correlations with lithium levels, potentially serving as biomarkers.
• Findings are valuable for developing doping control strategies in equine sports.