1. ¹Hypertension and Nephrology, Medical University Policlinic, University of Münster, Münster, Germany and Department of
2. ²Obstetrics and Gynecolog, Medical University Policlinic, University of Münster, Münster, Germany

Correspondence: Dr. Klaus Kisters, Medical University Policlinic, Westf. Wilhelms-Univ., Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33, 48149 Münster, Germany

Received 13 May 1998; Accepted 20 December 1999.

Abstract

Changes in intracellular calcium and magnesium concentrations seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, whereas the role of cell membranes has not been studied in detail yet. To investigate the changes in calcium and magnesium metabolism in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia, plasma, intracellular, and membrane calcium and magnesium concentrations were determined in a clinical study. Twenty-five control, 18 untreated healthy pregnant, and 16 nulliparas preeclamptic women were investigated. Plasma, cellular, and membrane (erythrocytes) calcium and magnesium contents were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Plasma and intracellular magnesium concentrations were significantly lower in the healthy pregnant group and the preeclamptic group as compared to controls (P < .01). In erythrocyte membranes magnesium content was found significantly decreased in the preeclamptic women as compared to healthy subjects (P < .001). There was a significant decrease in the plasma calcium concentration in the preeclamptic group compared to controls or healthy pregnant women (P < .05). Membranous calcium content was significantly increased in the preeclamptic group versus controls or healthy pregnant women (P < .001) and an inverse correlation with membranous magnesium content was found (r = -0.79,P < .01). Lowered plasma, intracellular, and membrane magnesium concentrations in preeclampsia may contribute to the development in hypertension in pregnancy. In addition, a disturbed calcium homeostasis is observed in preeclampsia.