Disturbances of magnesium metabolism in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Magnesium balance, and plasma and urinary levels, were studied in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and in Wistar (WI) rats. We found few differences in the measured parameters between WKY and WI rats, but the SHR rat which similarly maintained Mg balance has lower plasma Mg levels and less urinary Mg excretion. These abnormalities could favor establishment or maintenance of hypertension.