EXACERBATED IMMUNE STRESS-RESPONSE DURING EXPERIMENTAL MAGNESIUM-DEFICIENCY RESULTS FROM ABNORMAL-CELL CALCIUM HOMEOSTASIS

The aim of this study was to assess the potential mechanism underlying the enhanced inflammatory processes during magnesium deficit. In this study, exacerbated response to live bacteria and platelet activating factors was shown in rats fed a magnesium-deficient diet. Peritoneal c ells from these animals also showed enhanced superoxide anion producti on and calcium mobilising potency following in vitro stimulation. The latter effect occurred very early in the course of magnesium deficienc y. These studies first showed that an abnormal calcium handling induce d by extracellular magnesium depression in vivo may be at the origin o f exacerbated inflammatory response.