Effects of Pyridoxine and Desoxypyridoxine on Magnesium Metabolism in the Rabbit. ∗

Abstract

Summary

External balance studies for magnesium and isotopic determinations of exchangeable magnesium content of body were made in 8 adult male rabbits before and after 8 daily injections of pyridoxine (100 mg), and in another group of 8 rabbits before and after 6 daily injections of desoxypyridoxine, 40 mg/kg. Except for increase in mean body weight in the group receiving pyridoxine, no significant changes were observed. In 8 animals given 2 intravenous injections of pyridoxine (100 mg) 24 hours apart, relative tissue activity of Mg²⁸ was increased in appendix and heart. In 15 rabbits given desoxypyridoxine, 40 mg/kg, daily for 7 days, there was a significant decrease in relative activity of kidney, lung, and bone, and a significant increase in serum magnesium concentration. The results suggest that excess or deficiency of pyridoxine alters rate of uptake of Mg²⁸ by various tissues.

Mg²⁸ was supplied by Brookhaven National Lab. on allocation from U. S. Atomic Energy Comm.