Effect of lithium on hepatic and serum elemental status under different dietary protein regimens

Lithium carbonate at the dose level of 1.1 g/kg was administered in diet to normal (18% protein), low-protein- (LP; 8%) and high-protein (HP; 30% diet )-fed rats for a period of 1 mo. The LP diet resulted in a significant decr ease in the hepatic levels of zinc, iron, copper, manganese, calcium, and s erum levels of calcium and sodium. The HP diet caused a marked decrease in copper and calcium levels in liver, but an increase in potassium levels in serum was observed. Lithium treatment to normal rats led to a significant r eduction in the hepatic contents of zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, and s erum contents of potassium and sodium, whereas an elevation in serum conten ts of calcium was noticed. Administration of lithium to protein-deficient r ats increased the hepatic concentration of manganese and serum concentratio n of calcium and the levels almost reached the normal limits. On the other hand, there was a marked depression in potassium contents in the serum of L P- as well. as HP-fed rats following lithium treatment when compared to LP and HP groups, respectively.