Decreased membrane Mg2+ concentrations in a subgroup of hypertensives membrane model for the pathogenesis of primary hypertension

Intracellular Mg2+ measurements were performed in erythrocyte membranes of 18 untreated normotensive and 19 untreated essential hypertensive patients. Mg2+ concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy using a Video 12 apparatus. The results show that in patients with essential hypertension total Mg2+ content in erythrocyte membranes was significantly decreased as compared with the control group (0.28 +/- 0.05 v 0.52 +/- 0.15 mmol/g membrane protein; mean +/- SD, P <.001). Additionally, plasma and free intracellular Mg2+ content of lymphocytes and platelets showed no significant difference in normotensives and hypertensives. Lowered total membrane Mg2+ concentrations in a subgroup of primary hypertensives may contribute to the development of this disorder, perhaps due to different buffering or membrane transport systems. (C) 1998 American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.