Effects of acute ethanol intoxication, chronic ethanol intoxication, and ethanol withdrawal on magnesium and calcium metabolism in the rat.

Effects of ethanol intoxication and withdrawal on magnesium and calcium metabolism were studied in rats. During acute ethanol intoxication, plasma [Mg2+] was increased and plasma [Ca2+] decreased. During chronic intoxication, plasma [Mg2+] was normalized whereas plasma [Ca2+] was persistently subnormal. Ethanol withdrawal was followed by a decrease in plasma [Mg2+] and a normalization of plasma [Ca2+]. These various changes are probably related to changes in systemic pH and to the biochemical effects of ethanol and ethanol withdrawal on intermediary metabolism. Cerebrospinal fluid [Mg2+] was unchanged during intoxication and withdrawal and it was concluded that no etiological role can presently be ascribed to the magnesium ion as far as cerebral signs of ethanol intoxication and withdrawal in the rat are concerned. No consistent changes in erythrocyte [Mg2+] were encountered during ethanol intoxication and withdrawal in rats.