Arterial-Venous Magnesium Gradients in Hypovolemic Shock: An Indication of the Irreversible State

Summary Arterial-venous magnesium differences were examined in mongrel dogs stressed with reversible and lethal hypovolemia. Increases in serum Mg with hemorrhage have long been known to occur in both humans and animals, yet, increased blood Mg levels have not been viewed as an indicator of the irreversible shock state. The magnesium gradient was shown to be a good indicator of cell destruction which is consistent with lethal shock. This research was aided in part by support from the Steroid Research Fund, Cleveland, Ohio.