Lithium: Normal Psyche
Lithium (Li)
Normal psyche.
Lithium in the human body prevents the development of neuro-psychiatric disorders.
The daily requirement of the human body is currently not precisely defined (approximately 100 mcg). During pregnancy, lithium preparations are absolutely contraindicated.
Lithium content in the human body – about 70 mg. Lithium ions Li+ are rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, likely from the small intestine, as well as from sites of parenteral administration. Lithium ions easily penetrate biological membranes. The average lithium content (in mcg/g) in various organs varies significantly: in lymph nodes – 200, lungs – 60, liver – 7, whole blood – 6, muscles – 5, brain – 4. Lithium can be found in bones, intestines, adrenal glands, and other tissues. Lithium excretion is primarily carried out by the kidneys and to a lesser extent with feces and sweat.
Biological role in the human body. In the human body, lithium apparently promotes the release of magnesium from cellular “depots” and inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses, thereby reducing the excitability of the nervous system. It has been established that lithium ions affect the transport of sodium ions in nerve and muscle cells, making lithium act as an antagonist to sodium. Under the influence of lithium, intracellular deamination of norepinephrine increases, and the amount of free norepinephrine acting on adrenergic receptors in brain tissues decreases. Lithium ions enhance the sensitivity of neurons in the hippocampus and other areas of the brain to dopamine action. Thus, lithium actively influences neurochemical processes occurring in the brain, which may underlie its therapeutic activity in mental disorders.
The prescription of lithium preparations against the background of sodium deficiency is dangerous to health, as it may cause kidney damage. In addition, side effects of lithium therapy may include suppression of thyroid gland function by blocking the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), TSH-releasing factor, and thyroxine by lithium.
There is data on the action of lithium on structural components of the body at different levels. The skeleton and thyroid gland may be among the target organs of lithium. In bone tissue, with prolonged exposure to lithium, its concentration is found to be higher than in other organs. The skeleton is undoubtedly a site of active interaction of lithium with magnesium, calcium, and other mineral components of bone tissue.
There is evidence of lithium’s influence on fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Under the influence of lithium, glucose absorption increases, glycogen synthesis occurs, and insulin levels in the serum of diabetic patients taking lithium preparations decrease, while glucose and ketone bodies in urine decrease. Lithium exerts an insulin-like effect.
Synergists and antagonists of lithium. The main antagonists of lithium are sodium, to a lesser extent – potassium and magnesium.
Synergistic effects may be observed with calcium.
Synergistic effects may be observed with calcium.
Signs of lithium deficiency: manic-depressive psychosis, schizophrenia, and other mental disorders.
It has been established that patients with chronic alcoholism have reduced concentrations of lithium in the body.
It is possible that lithium deficiency occurs in immunodeficiency states and certain neoplasms.
Literature provides data on the relationship between lithium content in water and the frequency of depression in populations of various regions.
It has been established that patients with chronic alcoholism have reduced concentrations of lithium in the body.
It is possible that lithium deficiency occurs in immunodeficiency states and certain neoplasms.
Literature provides data on the relationship between lithium content in water and the frequency of depression in populations of various regions.
With excessive intake of lithium into the body, toxic effects begin to manifest at plasma concentrations above 10 mcg/l. At lithium concentrations of 11–13 mcg/l, mild symptoms of intoxication appear. These symptoms become pronounced as lithium concentration rises to 14–17 mcg/l, and at levels of 21 mcg/l and above, clinically significant multi-organ pathology develops.
In large doses, lithium reduces serotonin levels in the brain.
Early symptoms of lithium excess in the body include hand tremors, polyuria, and moderate thirst. Symptoms of moderate intoxication include diarrhea, vomiting, muscle weakness, lethargy, and loss of coordination.
Main symptoms of lithium excess in the body: damage to the glomerular apparatus of the kidneys and tubular cells; suppression of antidiuretic hormone activity; proteinuria; polyuria, decreased blood pressure, arrhythmia; suppression of thyroid hormone production.
Lithium is necessary: in manic-depressive psychosis, schizophrenia, and other mental disorders, depressions, immunodeficiency states, diabetes mellitus, and certain neoplasms.
Dietary sources of lithium: the highest concentration of lithium is found in plants of the nightshade family, namely – in eggplants, potatoes, hot peppers (chili), sweet peppers, tomatoes, tobacco; as well as in laminaria (seaweed), parsnips, radishes, black radishes, beets, celery, celery greens, parsley greens, lettuce, oranges, lemons, persimmons; nuts and seeds (peanuts, sesame, almonds, Brazil nuts); dried fruits: dried figs, dried apricots; cereal and leguminous plants: corn, hard wheat, white round glutinous rice, unpolished rice, wild rice, soybeans, lentils, barley; liver and lungs of animals.