Changes in the blood biochemical indices of sheep in experimental hypermagnesemia

Hypermagnesemia is rarely encountered, but when it is it usually suggests either compromised renal function or is an iatrogenic phenomenon resulting from the zealous administration of oral magnesium salts. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological effects of experimentally induced hypermagnesemia on serum biochemical changes. Magnesium sulfate solution (40%) was intravenously infused (three times, at 30-min intervals) to 5 healthy sheep (experimental group). Meanwhile, 5 healthy sheep received 0.9% saline solution (IV) and kept at the similar condition as the control group. In both groups serum was collected before and after administration at different time points (blood samples were taken 5 minutes before and after administration). Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transminase (ALT), glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, calcium, magnesium, K and Na levels were measured. Biochemical analysis of the studied parameters showed a significant increase (P˂0.05) in serum magnesium levels following magnesium sulfate infusion compared to the control group. Glucose levels showed significant increase at T4 and T5 compared to T0-T3 in the experimental group. Potassium levels showed significant decrease in T3 compared to the baseline. No significant difference was observed in the activities of AST and ALT between groups. Changes in BUN, creatinine, Calcium and Na, AST and ALT were not significant before and after magnesium sulfate infusion. While, experimental hypermagnesemia can be accompanied with a decrease in serum K, increase in serum Mg level and an increase in glucose levels.