Hypothesis: increased calcium and decreased magnesium in heart muscle and liver of pigs dying suddenly of microangiopathy (mulberry heart disease): an animal model for the study of oxidative damage.

The role of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) was evaluated in pigs that died suddenly of microangiopathy (mulberry heart disease) characterized by myocardial and endothelial cell damage and capillary microthrombosis. Myocardial and hepatic Ca concentration in pigs with microangiopathy was significantly (p less than 0.001) higher than in pigs with other diseases and in healthy slaughter pigs. On the other hand, myocardial and hepatic Mg concentrations in pigs with microangiopathy was significantly (p less than 0.001) lower than in pigs with other diseases and in healthy slaughter pigs. The results indicate that increased Ca concentration was associated with decreased Mg concentration in pigs with microangiopathy. Altered Ca and Mg concentrations might reflect disturbed electrolyte homeostasis related to oxidative cardiovascular damage. The results encourage the study of the efficacy of antioxidants for prevention of myocardial Ca overload. The combined use of Mg and of Ca-antagonists with antioxidants should be evaluated for protection against experimental microangiopathy.