Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: studies of tubular function and pathogenesis.

Abstract

We describe a patient with lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in whom detailed investigations of distal tubular function were performed. Clearance of free water during water diuresis was found to be augmented. This suggests proximal suppression of sodium reabsorption by lithium. Reabsorption of free water during high solute clearance was impaired. Acidification of the urine following ammonium chloride loading was abnormal, and this was corrected by sodium sulfate infusion. The cellular mechanism of lithium was investigated by means of indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. Indomethacin caused a partial reversal of the nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, suggesting that the primary cellular action of lithium may be to inhibit the formation of cyclic AMP in the collecting duct cell, although a direct action of indomethacin in increasing solutes in the renal medulla could not be ruled out. It is possible that the lithium-induced polyuria is partially due to an enhancement by lithium of renal prostaglandin action.

• Authors: J Rapoport, C Chaimovitz, G G Alroy, O S Better
• Journal: Israel journal of medical sciences (Isr J Med Sci) Vol. 15 Issue 9 Pg. 765-71 (Sep 1979) ISSN: 0021-2180 [Print] Israel
• PMID: 41818 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Electrolytes
• Ammonia
• Lithium
• Indomethacin

Topics

• Ammonia (urine)
• Bipolar Disorder (drug therapy)
• Diabetes Insipidus (chemically induced)
• Electrolytes (metabolism)
• Female
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (drug effects)
• Humans
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
• Indomethacin (administration & dosage)
• Kidney Concentrating Ability (drug effects)
• Lithium (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Water Deprivation