Kisters K, Körner J, Louwen F, Witteler R, Jackisch C, Zidek W, Ott S, Westermann G, Barenbrock M, Rahn K H
Medical University Policlinic, University of Münster, Bochum, Germany.
Gynecol Obstet Invest. 1998;46(3):158-63. doi: 10.1159/000010024.
Changes in intracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, whereas the role of cell membranes has not been studied in detail yet. To investigate the changes in Ca2+ and Mg2+ metabolism in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia, plasma and membrane Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations were determined in a clinical study as compared to healthy subjects.
25 healthy female subjects, 22 untreated healthy pregnant and 20 preeclamptic women were investigated. In each patient, plasma and membrane Ca2+ and Mg2+ content were measured. Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Erythrocyte membranes were chosen for membranous Ca2+ and Mg2+ determination.
Plasma Mg2+ concentrations were significantly lowered in the healthy pregnant group and the preeclamptic group as compared to controls (p < 0.0001). In erythrocyte membranes, Mg2+ content was found significantly decreased in the preeclamptic women as compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.001). In plasma Ca2+ concentrations there was a significant decrease in the preeclamptic group as compared to controls or healthy pregnant women (p < 0.05). Membranous Ca2+ content was significantly increased in the preeclamptic group versus controls or healthy pregnant women (p < 0.001).
Lowered plasma and membrane Mg2+ concentrations in preeclampsia may contribute to the development of hypertension in pregnancy. Additionally, a disturbed Ca2+ homeostasis is observed in preeclampsia.
