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Effect of Aldosterone on the Metabolism of Magnesium^1,2

Metabolic Research Unit and the Department of Medicine, University of California School of Medicine San Francisco, California

The metabolism of magnesium was compared with that of potassium in 5 patients with primary aldosteronism and in an adrenalectomized subject. In primary aldosteronism the urinary excretion and clearance of magnesium is increased although the serum magnesium is normal. A rapid infusion of isotonic saline resulted in a markedly increased excretion of both potassium and magnesium, probably reflecting an increased filtered load. After the surgical removal of adrenal adenomata there was a simultaneous decrease in both the urinary potassium and magnesium, which continued for several weeks after surgery. Spironolactone reduced the urinary magnesium in 2 patients with primary aldosteronism. The increase in both urinary potassium and magnesium after the administration of 400 µg d-aldosterone intramuscularly in an adrenalectomized patient was reversed by spironolactone. These studies suggest that aldosterone increases the clearance and excretion of magnesium and potassium in a parallel manner.

This investigation was carried out in part with the aid of Grant A-3870 from the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases, USPHS.

¹ We are greatly indebted for a grant-in-aid and for supplies of spironolactone (Aldactone) to Irwin C. Winter, Ph.D., M.D., Medical Director, G. D. Searle and Company, Chicago.

² Presented in part to the Western Section of the American Federation for Clinical Research, January 25, 1962, Carmel, California.

Received June 11, 1962.

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