Total and free Mg
<sup>2+</sup> contents in erythrocytes: a simple but still undisclosed cell model



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Total and free Mg ²⁺ contents in erythrocytes: a simple but still undisclosed cell model
Magnesium Research. Volume 20, Number 3, 161-7, September 2007, Review article
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Author(s) : Theodor Günther
Summary : The concentration of intracellular free Mg ²⁺ ([Mg ²⁺] _i) in erythrocytes, measured by means of ³¹P NMR and using a dissociation constant for MgATP of 38-50 μM, amounted to 0.2 mM [Mg ²⁺] _i in the erythrocytes of various species, was not significantly different and was independent of their total Mg ²⁺ content. The more probable value of [Mg ²⁺] _i using the more realistic K _D of Mg ATP or the null-point method may amount to 0.4 mM [Mg ²⁺] _i in erythrocytes is lower than the [Mg ²⁺] _i in nucleated mammalian cell types. The lower [Mg ²⁺] _i may be caused by a different regulation of Mg ²⁺ influx and Mg ²⁺ efflux by intracellular Mg ²⁺ in erythroblasts. Free and reversibly bound Mg ²⁺ represent a Mg ²⁺ buffer. The main Mg ²⁺-binding substances are ATP and 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG). Total Mg ²⁺ content in the erythrocytes of various species is correlated to the concentrations of ATP and 2,3-BPG. The changed Mg ²⁺ level in erythrocytes during deoxygenation, maturation, cold storage, in Mg ²⁺ deficiency and in sickle cell anemia was reviewed.
Keywords : intracellular Mg ²⁺, erythrocyte

Total and free Mg 2+ contents in erythrocytes: a simple but still undisclosed cell model