Can the expression of histocompatibility antigen be changed by lithium?

Objectives: This study attempted to determine whether human leukocyte antig en (HLA) type changes would bs caused by lithium. Methods: A total of 15 patients were chosen as subjects (4 males, Il female s) and completed tests in class I. Eight of the 15 patients completed tests in class II. Their mean age was 27 +/- 7 years. For an average of 51 +/- 1 7 days, lithium, 600-1200 mg/day (mean dairy dose: 920 +/- 211 mg) was admi nistered for the HLA testing and then compared with the HLA type prior to t he time the drug was administered. Class I type test was performed accordin g to the Terasaki microcytotoxicity method and class II type by the Erlich polymerase chain reaction method. Results: Of the 15 subjects, II had changes in HLA-A, B; C types and two of the eight subjects had changes in HLA DR type. Conclusion: Lithium. in the therapeutic dose, is considered to bring about changes in HLA expressions in as short a time period as 2 months.