Determination of lithium and rubidium in physiological fluids and tissues of rabbits during the reproductive phase.

1. The natural concentrations of lithium and rubidium were determined during the reproductive phase of rabbits by field desorption mass spectrometry. 2. Samples of serum, milk, amniotic fluid and placenta tissue were analysed. 3. The concentration changes in serum during the reproductive phase were between 2.61 and 5.02 micrograms/l for lithium and between 107.78 and 136.28 micrograms/l for rubidium. 4. Correlations between the concentration in maternal serum and bone growth of the fetus as well as the formation of milk were found. 5. Concentrations of 9.30 micrograms/l lithium and 1780.00 micrograms/l rubidium in the milk lead to the assumption that these trace metals are essential for the metabolism of the young rabbit.