Summary
Magnesium deficiency is associated with a high frequency of cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension
and sudden ischemic death. We investigated the in vivo effects of intravenous magnesium administration in a rat model of chemically induced
(FeCl3) carotid thrombosis. The infusion of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) before the topical application of FeCl3 prevented thrombus formation at concentrations of 0.3 M and 0.6 M, and delayed it
even at 0.15 M. Similar results were obtained with MgCl2. The infusion of MgSO4 0.6 M seven minutes after FeCl3 application delayed but did not prevent thrombus formation. MgSO4 slightly reduced platelet aggregation ex vivo without affecting plasma clotting tests, but in vivo blood clotting time was markedly prolonged (tail transection method), thus indicating
profoundly impaired coagulation. These data provide a rationale for the use of magnesium
as an anti-thrombotic agent, but its pharmacological effect critically depends on
the timing of administration.
Keywords
Magnesium - thrombosis - animal model - platelets - coagulation
