Distribution of magnesium in central nervous system tissue, trabecular and cortical bone in rats fed with unbalanced diets of minerals

Abstract

Recent epidemiological changes in patterns of foci of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the Western Pacific suggest that environmental factors play a contributory role in the pathogenic process of this disorder. In this experimental study on rats, a similar situation of dietary mineral imbalance was created as is found in the soil and drinking water of these ALS foci with a low content of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and a high content of aluminum (Al). In groups of rats fed a low Ca diet, low Ca-Mg diet, and low Ca-Mg plus high Al diet, serum Ca levels were found to be lower than those in a group fed a standard diet. Also, serum Mg levels were lower in the groups fed a low Ca-Mg diet and a low Ca-Mg plus high Al diet than in the groups fed a standard diet and only a low Ca diet. There was no significant difference in Mg content of central nervous system (CNS) tissues of groups fed unbalanced and standard diets, except for a significant decrease in Mg content of the spinal cord of rats fed a low Ca-Mg plus high Al diet. Mg content of the lumbar spine and cortical bone decreased in the unbalanced diet groups compared with that of a group fed a standard diet. These findings suggest that under the disturbed bone mineralization induced by unbalanced mineral diets, Mg may be mobilized from bone to maintain the level necessary for vital activity in soft tissues including CNS tissue.