[Selected organopathies caused by experimental magnesium deficiency].

A role of enzyme mediated metabolic processes is discussed. Unfavourable effect of magnesium deficiency on the functioning of various organs may lead to extensive and irreversible morphological changes of focal character. Basing on the results of several experiments and own experience, the author discusses an effect of low-magnesium diet on histological, histochemical, and microscopic lesions to the myocardium, skeletal musculature, liver, and pancreas. Magnesium deficiency predisposes to myocardial necrosis which simulates electrolyte-steroid-cardiomyopathy by necrosis (ESCN). Low-magnesium diet decreases resistance of the animals to various types of stress such as: cooling, immobilization, and noise. Insignificant degree of the lesions to skeletal musculature produced by magnesium deficiency and no progress in these lesions during the experiment may depend upon relatively stable magnesium reserve in the muscles. Low-magnesium diet increases the number of so-called Ito cells in the liver. It is probable that these cells together with hepatocytes contribute to the formation of collagen fibres. Magnesium deficiency may lead to the abnormal digestion of nutrients in the pancreas, interfering with exocytosis of zymogen granules. Supplementation of the diet with magnesium may prevent various organopathies.