THE EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY ON THE EXCITABILITY OF THE VAGO-INSULIN AND SYMPATHETICO-ADRENAL SYSTEMS

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Abstract
The effect of a Mg-deficient diet was studied in vagotomized and in adrenodemedullated rats. Metrazol and electrically produced convulsive shocks produced a greater hyper-glycemia in vagotomized Mg-deficient rats than in control animals. Adrenodemedullated rats reacted with a distinct hypoglycemia, whereas Mg-deficient adrenodemedullated rats showed no change in the blood sugar. Since Mg deficiency does not alter the effect of adrenalin and insulin on the blood sugar, the expts. indicate a marked shift in the balance of the autonomic centers under the influence of Mg deficiency. The centers of the sympathetico-adrenal system become greatly sensitized whereas the centers of the vago-insulin system fail to respond to stimuli which are effective in control animals. The effects persisted for wks. after the animals were returned to the control diet.