Magnesium Metabolism of Human and Rabbit Erythrocytes

A modification of the magnesium ammonium phosphate precipitation methodfor the determination of serum magnesium was devised to determine themagnesium content of erythrocytes.

The concentration of magnesium in the red cells of healthy hospital personnel was 4.67 ± 0.92 mEq./L.

An increase in erythrocyte magnesium concentration was observed inpatients with reticulocytosis. Experimental production of reticulocytosis bythe administration of phenylhydrazine to rabbits confirmed these clinicalobservations.

No significant in vitro uptake of Mg²⁸ from the suspending medium occurred in mature human erythrocytes or in mature or immature erythrocytesfrom rabbits.

The relative tissue uptake of Mg²⁸ in the bone marrow was significantlyincreased in animals in whom anemia and marked reticulocytosis were produced by phenylhydrazine. Relative activity was decreased in the hearts,spleens, and kidneys of these animals.

Since there is no evidence for significant exchange of magnesium in immature or mature erythrocytes in the peripheral circulation, it is concludedthat the magnesium content of erythrocytes is increased in the bone marrowprior to their release into the peripheral circulation.

Submitted on April 16, 1962 Accepted on May 28, 1962