The effect of magnesium deficiency in mice on serum immunoglobulin concentrations and antibody plaque-forming cells.

Magnesium-deficient mice immunized with SRBC showed a significant decrease (P less than 0.001) in the number of PFC in their spleens compared with mice on a control diet. Serum immunoglobulin concentrations (IgG1, IgG2, IgA and IgM) were determined after 3, 6, 9 and 12 days on the respective diets. The serum IgG2 and IgM concentrations of magnesium- deficient mice were decreased (P less than 0.005) by 6 days and remained at these concentrations until 12 days. The serum IgG1 and IgA concentrations of magnesium deficient animals also decreased (P less than 0.01) by 6 days but returned toward control concentrations at 12 days. Serum magnesium concentrations confirmed the magnesium deficiency of the experimental animals. Therefore, magnesium deficiency has profound immunosuppressive capabilities in mice by significantly reducing the number of antibody synthesizing cells and serum immunoglobulin concentrations.