Abstract
The toxic effects of lithium on kidney function were examined in rats given 8 mmol per kg body weight (ip) of lithium chloride as a 150 m m solution once a day. After 2 to 4 days of lithium administration the animals had lost 10 to 20 g body weight. Other signs of intoxication were impaired gastric emptying, muscle twitchings, hyperexcitability, and increased serum urea concentration. The rats were anesthetized with sodium amytal and hydrated with isotonic NaCl before and during the clearance determinations. Inulin clearance ( C in) was lowered by 40%, and T mPAH and renal plasma flow were lowered in proportion to C in. Plasma renin concentration was increased by a sixfold factor. The results suggest that lithium led to acute renal failure. Both circulatory disturbances and a direct toxic effect of lithium in the tubules are considered possible causes of the acute renal failure.
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