Mitochondrial inclusions in renal epithelial cells of magnesium-deficient rats.

In rats with prolonged magnesium deficiency, paracrystalline inclusions in mitochondria were found frequently in the epithelial cells of the thick ascending limb of Henle, especially in the region of the upper medulla. The inclusions presented a variegated appearance. Some were filamentous aggregates, many had alternating dark and light bands, and others were elongated rectangular densities. They were not found in tubules with calcific deposits where the cells showed degenerative changes. This suggested that the inclusions were probably due to altered cell metabolism and not products of cell degeneration.