The biochemical and histological changes following 60 days administration of daily doses
equivalent to 1/20 LD50
of lithium lactate and hydrochlorothiazide, as such and in
association, were studied in male Wistar rats. No mortality or overt signs of toxicity were
observed during the experiment and the serum activities of transaminases, alkaline
phosphatase and cholinesterase were not significantly modified compared to controls. The
histopathological examination of all the investigated organs: kidney, liver, brain and spleen,
revealed significant lesions which were time-dependant and more pronounced in the
association group. Although the changes were mostly inflammatory and conqestive, it was
proved that the concomitant administration of lithium and hydrochlorothiazid is potentially
dangerous, increasing lithium’s nephrotoxicity and the thiazide diuretic's hepatotoxicity.