The mononuclear cell magnesium content in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and on regular hemodialysis treatment

To elucidate intracellular magnesium content of patients with renal disease and on regular hemodialysis treatment, erythrocyte and mononuclear cell magnesium contents were measured. 31 patients with mild chronic glomerulonephritis (Ccr ≥ 30 ml/min), 15 patients with severe chronic glomerulonephritis (Ccr < 30 ml/min), 31 patients on regular hemodialysis treatment and 14 healthy subjects were included in this study. The content of mononuclear cell magnesium was significantly higher than the erythrocyte magnesium content. Mononuclear cell magnesium content was significantly higher in patients with severe chronic glomerulonephritis and on regular hemodialysis treatment than in healthy subjects. An inverse correlation between creatinine clearance and mononucler cell magnesium content was found, Positive correlation between content of mononuclear cell magnesium and potassium in patients on reguar hemodialysis treatment was found. However, correlations of mononuclear cell magnesium content with plasma c-terminal parathyroid hormone level and hematocrit in patients on regular hemodialysis treatment were not found. After hemodialysis treatment, plasma magnesium concentration was decreased, but erythrocyte and mononuclear cell magnesium contents were not changed. These results suggested that the intracellular magnesium retention accompanied with renal dysfunction was remarkable in mononuclear cell than in erythrocyte. No change in erythrocyte and mononuclear cell magnesium contents after hemodialysis treatment indicated slow exchange between these intracellular stores and the entracellular fluid.