Effect of in ovo lithium carbonate and citrate injection on embryonic development and total blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentration

Background: Lithium is an element with a wide range of clinical applications. Clinicians and researchers focus on both organic and inorganic lithium salts. This paper presents a study on the influence of lithium carbonate and lithium citrate concentration on selected parameters - total glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. For this purpose, in ovo model studies were used. Materials and methods: Fertilized eggs were incubated at 37.5 degrees C and 55 - 60% relative humidity using an automatic incubator with an ovoscope. Two lithium sources: carbonate and citrate, were used in 3 injection doses (20, 60, 100 mu g lithium/ egg). At least 10 eggs were assigned for each injection. Lithium salts were introduced on the third day of incubation. After 14 days of incubation, eggs were removed from the incubator and blood was collected. Glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured by the enzymatic method using a BSI in the measured parameters after injection with lithium salts were observed. Lithium citrate caused a significant increase in glucose (p < 0.001) and triglycerides (p < 0.01). cholesterol (p < 0.05) levels in the tested eggs. Significant differences were noted for both the control group and the sham group. Conclusion: Embryogenesis in in ovo model is sensitive to both lithium citrate and lithium carbonate. Levels of factors important for embryonic development increase after lithium injections. The research highlights the broad biological relevance of lithium salts, which may find application in clinical practice.