Prenatal MgSO4 treatment modifies the erythrocyte band 3 in preterm neonates

Magnesium sulphate that is widely used to prevent preterm labour or treatment for imminent eclampsia is also suggested to decrease a cerebral palsy in preterm newborns. However, the molecular mechanism of MgSO4 protection in fetus remains unknown. Since Mg2+ very rapidly crosses the placenta, we assayed whether it may exert an effect on newborn erythrocytes, particularly on anion exchange band 3. The study groups consisted of preterm neonates born from mothers who received prenatally magnesium sulphate and a control group, without prenatal Mg2+ administration. We compared the selected erythrocyte parameters including ATP concentration, membrane lipids peroxidation, the band 3 amount and its phosphotyrosine level, assayed after delivery and 24h later. At birth, ATP concentration was higher in control newborns and decreased after 24h, reaching the level found in the MgSO4-treated group. Band 3 and P-Tyr amounts were unchanged in MgSO4-treated newborns during examined period. In the control group, the lower Mg concentration after delivery correlated with the lowered band 3 phosphorylation. We have also observed enlarged TBARS content in control membranes. Our results demonstrate that prenatal administration of magnesium sulphate significantly altered some erythrocyte parameters. These data suggest that MgSO4 may modify the erythrocytes metabolism in preterm newborns. Since band 3 exhibits the same structural and functional activities as in the brain, the elucidation of MgSO4 influence is of special importance.