[Role of the kidneys in the pathogenesis of lithium poisoning].
Lithium intoxication was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of lithium chloride in a daily dose of 200 mg/kg (0.22 LD50) for 6 days. Polyuria connected with pathological changes in the epithelium of the convoluted tubules and depression of the antidiuretic hormone--acid mucopolysaccharides system in the area of the straight kidney tubules was observed on the 6th day of the experiments. Oligouria and death of some of the animals on the 7th experimental day was caused by severe lesions the kidney structure. Further observation (30 days) demonstrated that, along with the regeneration processes, there developed a marked sclerosing ofthe kidney tissue. A conclusion was drawn that severe lithium intoxication was associated with the development of acute renal insufficiency. Functional reserves of the kidneys after the cessation of lithium chloride administration remained lowered for a long period.