Na-dependent Li-transport in primary nerve cell cultures

Primary cultures from chick embryonic brain were used to study the steady state distribution of lithium. The intra/extracellular Li+ ratio decreased by enhancing the external Na+ concentration. Ouabain did not influence this unequality. A phloretin-sensitive component was revealed in the Li uptake at low Na+ concentration. The findings might suggest the existence of a Na+-dependent Li+ countertransport system in these brain cell cultures.