Magnesium Metabolism in Hypertension

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Abstract
Increased vascular smooth-muscle tone and the associated changes in transmembrane potential are thought by several investigators to be a major factor in the development and maintenance of hypertension.1 Increased extracellular magnesium concentration and diminished cell-membrane permeability are believed to reduce the loss of intracellular potassium and to decrease vascular tone.2 Conversely, hypomagnesemia has been reported in hypertension and primary aldosteronism which is associated with severe hypertension.3 In addition, various diuretics, including chlorothiazide, have been shown to affect the urinary excretion of magnesium.4 It is possible that altered magnesium metabolism through its effect on vascular reactivity, may underlie or contribute to the persistent hypotensive action of the benzothiadiazines. These findings are consistent with the premise that alterations in intracellular magnesium, changes in transmembrane magnesium gradient, or other derangement in magnesium metabolism may facilitate changes in sodium/potassium flux and thereby influence vascular tone. Unfortunately, relatively little is known about