Na-dependent Li-transport in primary nerve cell cultures.

Abstract Primary cultures from chick embryonic brain were used to study the steady state distribution of lithium. The intra/extracellular Li + ration decreased by enhancing the external Na + concentration. Ouabain did not influence this unequality. A phloretin-sensitive component was revealed in the Li uptake at low Na + concentration. The findings might suggest the existence of a Na + -dependent Li + countertransport system in these brain cell cultures.