Induction and reversal of the magnesium deficiency syndrome in inbred mice

Mice of the DBA 2J and C57BL 6J strains were exposed to a low-magnesium diet and the behavioral manifestations of Mg deficiency were monitored. The DBA mice were markedly more sensitive in terms of symptomatology to magnesium losses than were the C57 mice. Intracranial (0.08 meq/kg) and intraperitoneal (3.0 meq/kg) MgSO 4 injections were equally fast (within 2 to 4 h) and effective in eliminating gross tremors and seizures in Mg-deficient mice. However, the total elimination of all symptoms required at least 24 h after very large (4.5 meq/kg × 2) intraperitoneal doses of MgSO 4, indicating that more slowly reversing metabolic derangements secondary to Mg deficiency are responsible for the lengthy therapeutic “lag period”.