EFFECT OF INTRAVENOUS INJECTION OF MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE ON THE BODY TEMPERATURE OF THE UNANESTHETIZED DOG, WITH SOME OBSERVATIONS ON MAGNESIUM LEVELS AND BODY TEMPERATURE IN MAN

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Abstract
The mechanism of the temp.-depressing action of Mg was investigated by injecting M MgCl2 intraven. in dogs, when in a comfortable environment or under conditions requiring regulation against heat or against cold. Mg causes depression of rectal temp. but the mechanism varies in the 3 types of environment. The effect is produced in the cold by decreased shivering and voluntary motor activity without vasodilation; at room temp. by panting and/or increased vasodilation; in a warm environment by increased panting. Decreased shivering is probably due to neuromuscular paralysis. Vasodilation is reputed to be a peripheral action of Mg. While the effect on panting is central, there is as yet no clear evidence that Mg exerts an antipyretic action specifically through the temp.-regulating centers. 45 observations on 10 healthy subjects and 19 on 6 ambulatory patients showed no significant relation between the diurnal temp. fluctuation and the serum Mg concn. , Neither was a relation found between the serum Mg concn. and body temp. during artificial fever. The changes in Mg concn. with body temp. in man are too small to be of physiologic importance.

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