Effects of salicylate and zinc deficiency on the serum concentrations of magnesium, calcium, and parathyroid hormone.

Oral application of 700 mg/kg salicylic acid to pregnant and non-pregnant female rats caused an increase of serum Mg2+ and a decrease of serum Ca2+ concentration. The salicylate effect was drastically enhanced by Zn deficiency. The increase in serum Mg2+ is probably caused by the nephrotoxicity of salicylate. The decrease of serum Ca2+ concentration is combined with an increase of parathyroid hormone concentration in serum. Probably, salicylate and Zn deficiency inhibit Ca2+ mobilization by parathyroid hormone in bone.