EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM TREATMENT ON CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG-DISEASES

Xanthine metabolites play a significant role in therapy of chronic obstructive lung diseases. Toxic concentrations of theophylline might cause a calcium dependent cardiac cell necrosis. In that respect magnesium as the natural calcium antagonist might obtain therapeutic significance in treatment of lung disease. This potential effect of Mg was investigated in the double blind study. Theophylline concentration in both groups was statistically not different, magnesium concentration in plasma increased in the magnesium group by 31%. Decrease of creatine kinase activity in the magnesium group was accelerated in comparison to the control group. Parameters of lung function "1-second capacity", "vital capacity" and "specific resistance" indicated the spasmolytic effect of magnesium on lung obstruction and lung function. Possible mechanisms of magnesium effect include a degranulation of mast-cells and an improvement of calcium compartmentation in the bronchial muscle cell.