ABSTRACT
The steady state of a cell must be dependent upon the ATPase enzyme concentration, the ion concentrations which it helps to maintain, and the availability of ATPase. New work in bacteria indicates that there is a stoichiometric relationship between the internal concentrations of potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. The intracellular potassium concentration correlated strongly with the intracellular magnesium concentration. These results imply that magnesium deficiency could alter the intra- and extracellular potassium balance. Potassium and magnesium contents in muscles were reduced, whereas the sodium level was increased and plasma aldosterone was significantly lower. The elevation in plasma magnesium level appeared to be the result of a more positive metabolic balance of magnesium and the shifting of magnesium from the tissue into the plasma compartment. Percutaneous muscle biopsy studies on patients with hypokalemia and/or treatment with diuretics revealed no relation between the extra- and intracellular concentrations of sodium or magnesium.
