[The role of magnesium in the pathogenesis and therapy of bronchial asthma].

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant metal found in the body. It plays a crucial role in numerous biological processes. It is a natural calcium antagonist. New experimental data suggest that Mg+2 influences a variety of lung structures. Intracellular Mg+2 is thought to modulate smooth muscle contractions and it is known to have a direct effect on calcium uptake, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation. Magnesium has been forgotten cation from the therapeutical point of view, but now several clinical reports point to the salutary actions of Mg+2 in various lung diseases. Many reports suggests that magnesium sulfate and aspartate has certainly a role as an adjunct to traditional therapy in asthma and asthma-like conditions and have been helpful in the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma.