Reduced lectin stimulation of lymphocytes from magnesium-deficient rats

Spleen cells and thymocytes from Mg-deficient rats, fed a Mg-deficient diet for 10--13 weeks, incorporate [3H]thymidine at half the rate of normal cells. The cells from Mg-deficient rats are less stimulated by lectins than those from normal animals. These effects correspond to the reduced content of gamma-globulins in serum in Mg deficiency. They are caused by the altered electrolyte content of the Mg-deficient cells.