Mg2+ modulates membrane lipids in vascular smooth muscle: a link to atherogenesis.

Abstract

Epidemiological studies associate low dietary magnesium intake with an increased incidence of ischemic heart disease and sudden cardiac death. We have used proton-magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) techniques and Mg2+-selective electrodes to monitor changes in lipid extracts of aortic and cerebrovascular smooth muscle as extracellular ionized magnesium ion concentration ([Mg2+]o) is lowered. We have found that, within the pathophysiological range of Mg2+ concentrations, fatty acid chain length and double bond content are progressively reduced as [Mg2+]o is lowered. In contrast, the plasmalogen content is progressively increased. A concomitant decrease in fatty acid chain length and double bonds indicates oxidation of double bonds resulting in truncation of the fatty acids. A decrease in lipid oxidation in the presence of elevated Mg2+ could contribute to the apparent protective role of increased Mg2+ intake on vascular function in humans.

• Authors: G A Morrill, R K Gupta, A B Kostellow, G Y Ma, A Zhang, B T Altura, B M Altura
• Journal: FEBS letters (FEBS Lett) Vol. 408 Issue 2 Pg. 191-4 (May 19 1997) ISSN: 0014-5793 [Print] England
• PMID: 9187365 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Fatty Acids
• Membrane Lipids
• Plasmalogens
• Magnesium

Topics

• Animals
• Aorta, Thoracic (drug effects, metabolism)
• Arteriosclerosis (metabolism)
• Basilar Artery (drug effects, metabolism)
• Cerebral Arteries (drug effects, metabolism)
• Dogs
• Fatty Acids (chemistry, metabolism)
• In Vitro Techniques
• Magnesium (pharmacology)
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
• Male
• Membrane Lipids (chemistry, metabolism)
• Muscle, Smooth, Vascular (drug effects, metabolism)
• Myocardial Ischemia (metabolism)
• Oxidation-Reduction
• Plasmalogens (metabolism)
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar