Kidney function and lithium concentrations of rats given an injection of lithium orotate or lithium carbonate

Abstract

A recent study noted the finding of higher Li concentrations in serum and brain of rats after an i.p. injection (2 mmol Li kg-1) of lithium orotate as a slurry than of lithium carbonate in solution. It was suggested that lithium orotate might offer advantages in the treatment of patients. The experiments were repeated and the kidney function of the rats examined. Glomerular filtration rate and urine flow were markedly lower in rats given lithium orotate than in rats given lithium carbonate, sodium chloride or a sham injection. The renal Li clearance was significantly lower, the kidney weight and the Li concentrations in serum, kidney and heart significantly higher after injection of lithium orotate than after injection of lithium carbonate. The higher Li concentrations could be accounted for by the lower kidney function. It seems inadvisable to use lithium orotate for the treatment of patients. Nieper recommended lithium orotate, LiC5H3N2O4, as a particularly useful salt for Li treatment.