Changes in Erythrocyte Sodium and Potassium on Recovery from a Depressive Illness

Abstract

Disturbances of electrolyte metabolism have frequently been reported in depressive illness. Whether these changes are aetiologically important or secondary to the illness is uncertain. However, the maintenance of sodium and potassium gradients across cell membranes is of vital physiological importance. The distribution of electrolytes across cell membranes is probably responsible for the generation and propagation of impulses in excitable tissue. There is evidence that electrolyte changes are closely associated with alteration in cerebral activity. Margerison et al. (7) reported a significant coefficient of concordance between mean daily urinary sodium potassium ratios, the electroencephalogram mean abundances (8–9 c.p.s.) and word output.