Lithium-magnesium relationship in red blood cells during lithium prophylaxis

The authors investigated lithium and magnesium levels in serum and RBC in 30 patients with affective disorders during lithium prophylaxis. No differences in magnesium levels were found in relation to diagnosis (unipolar, bipolar), sex and age. Mean RBC lithium index was higher in females than in males, particularly in bipolar patients. Magnesium levels in erythrocytes showed a significant negative correlation with RBC lithium and RBC lithium index. Serum magnesium levels did not correlate of lithium concentrations. It was concluded that RBC magnesium may play a role in lithium penetration of RBC and this was discussed in relation to clinical and pathogenetic factors.