Magnesium in maintenance and regulation of smooth muscle function: A short review on basic mechanisms and clinical applications

The regulation of smooth muscle contractility is critical for the maintenance of vital body functions such as blood pressure, digestion, and during birth and pregnancy. Magnesium is a critical element in the corresponding regulatory networks, not only by its function as a regulator of electrical excitability, but also as a modifier of contractile function per se. This article gives a short review of the smooth muscle-specific effects of magnesium and its clinical applications which can be derived from this basic science knowledge.