[Distribution of lithium in the plasma and erythrocytes of frogs following a single injection of different doses of lithium carbonate].

On administration of lithium carbonate to grass frogs (Rana temporaria) in doses of 50-100 mg/kg its concentration in the plasma after 1 hour (2.9 +/- 0.48-8.7 +/- 0.43 mekv/l) far exceeded the therapeutic concentration in man and also in other animal species after administration of the comparable doses of lithium concentration ratio in the erythrocytes and plasma comprising 0.1-0.2. On administration of lithium in doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg its concentration in the plasma corresponded after a lapse of 1,4 and 24 hours to 0.38 +/- 0.03--0.98 +/- 0.03; 0.33 +/- 0.02--0.69 +/- 0.03 and 0.37 +/- 0.01-0.70 +/- 0.02 mekv/l, respectively, while the ratio of concentration in the erythrocytes and plasma was 0.5-0.3. and approximately accorded with the therapeutic values in man. To make a comparison between clinical and experimental findings, obtained in other animal species, it is advisable the lithium carbonate doses not exceeding 25 mg/kg be used.