1988 Volume 5 Pages 25-30
The effect of acute magnesium deficiency on polymorphonuclear leukocytes function in rats was examined. The symptom of magnesium deficiency such as hyperemia of ears was found in magnesium deficient rats by the 4th to 5th day of the regimen. The body weight of magnesium deficient rats was significantly lower than that of control on the 10th day. The numbers of total WBC, neutrophiles and eosinophiles in magnesium deficient rats was remarkably increased on the 10th day. The released activities and total activities of both lysosomal enzymes, β-glucuronidase and myeloperoxidase, in magnesium deficient rats were significantly increased from the 7th day. The production of superoxide anion in magnesium deficient rats was also increased from the 7th day of the regimen. However, no significant difference in fMet-Leu-Phe stimulated chemotaxis of PMN was observed between deficient and control rats. These results suggest that the cytotoxicity mediated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes was significantly increased in magnesium deficient rats.
