Computer simulation of the movement of lithium across erythrocyte membranes in vitro

Computer simulation of data obtained from in vitro lithium uptake experiments was used to define influx and efflux components of the net flux of lithium transport across erythrocyte membranes. The variation in in vitro erythrocyte to medium lithium distribution ratios for different individuals appears to be primarily due to the efflux component. Furthermore, subjects with a high erythrocyte to medium lithium concentration ratio had lower rates of both lithium influx and efflux than other subjects, implying that low rates of lithium efflux from erythrocytes cause certain individuals to exhibit high distribution ratios.