Effects of lithium carbonate on leukocyte functions in chronic benign neutropenia.

The effects of lithium carbonate on leukocyte functions in a case of chronic benign neutropenia are presented. Lithium was able to induce leukocytosis and to bring about increases in chemotaxis, marrow granulocyte reserve test and phagocytosis. After lithium interruption, leukocyte functions returned to initial values. Some hypotheses are advanced to account for lithium action.