The distribution of a glucose load in lithium treated rats

The distribution of an intravenous glucose load was investigated in rats without and with previous lithium administration. Lithium caused an increased rate of glycogen formation in muscle tissue but not in liver tissue. Uptake of a 14C-labelled glucose load in skin, liver, muscle, fat and brain was measured. Lithium increased the uptake of labelled glucose in skin and muscle with a concomitant decrease of the amount in blood. The findings are in agreement with an increased glucose tolerance after lithium administration as the uptake was increased in the tissues of quantitative importance for the disposal of a glucose load.