MAGNESIUM LEVELS IN ALCOHOL-TREATED RODENTS USING DIFFERENT CONSUMPTION PARADIGMS

To develop an animal model system that examines magnesium (Mg) deficie ncy associated with chronic alcohol consumption, we tried to reproduce a Mg-deficient state, caused by alcohol consumption, in rats using di fferent alcohol consumption experimental designs. Serum and bone sampl es were collected from 2-day binge (high BACs achieved by intubating a 5% ethanol solution 2 consecutive days/week), 5-day binge, moderate d rinking, and adolescent (4-week-old rats, equivalent to late teen/earl y adult humans) alcohol consumption projects. Mg content was measured using color spectrophotometry. Alcohol-fed animals consumed a Liquid d iet containing 0.38 g/kg/day ethanol in the moderate project and 35% e thanol-derived calories in the adolescent drinking project. Animals in the two binge drinking projects were intubated with 12 g/kg/day of et hanol in a 5% solution. When looked at acutely and chronically, no con sistent deficiencies in Mg were seen. The lack of a chronic Mg deficie ncy in rats may indicate a different mechanism of action than observed in humans. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.