DIVERGENCE IN MAGNESIUM, SODIUM AND POTASSIUM EXCRETION DURING STIMULATION OF ENDOGENOUS ALDOSTERONE PRODUCTION*

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Abstract
Because of reports of hypomagnesemia and magnesium deficiency in subjects with primary aldosteronism, the effect upon magnesium excretion of procedures known to alter aldosterone secretion has been investigated. During periods of sodium restriction and repletion, urinary excretion of magnesium, sodium and potassium was studied in 4 normal subjects and in 1 patient with cirrhosis of the liver. In 2 of the normal subjects similar studies were conducted during potassium restriction and repletion. Increased excretion of aldosterone (sodium-retaining factor) was observed during sodium restriction in the 2 subjects so studied, and in 1 of 2 subjects studied during potassium loading. Despite marked changes in sodium and potassium excretion, urinary magnesium was not consistently altered. It is concluded that under the conditions of this study, urinary magnesium is not altered by stimulation of endogenous aldosterone production. Evidence is cited which suggests that magnesium deficiency in patients with primary aldosteronism may be due to the renal dysfunction associated with potassium deficiency.