Magnesium homeostasis in cattle: absorption and excretion.

Magnesium (Mg²⁺) is an essential mineral without known specific regulatory mechanisms. In ruminants, plasma Mg²⁺ concentration depends primarily on the balance between Mg²⁺ absorption and Mg²⁺ excretion. The primary site of Mg²⁺ absorption is the rumen, where Mg²⁺ is apically absorbed by both potential-dependent and potential-independent uptake mechanisms, reflecting involvement of ion channels and electroneutral transporters, respectively. Transport is energised in a secondary active manner by a basolateral Na⁺/Mg²⁺ exchanger. Ruminal transport of Mg²⁺ is significantly influenced by a variety of factors such as high K⁺ concentration, sudden increases of ammonia, pH, and the concentration of SCFA. Impaired Mg²⁺ absorption in the rumen is not compensated for by increased transport in the small or large intestine. While renal excretion can be adjusted to compensate precisely for any surplus in Mg²⁺ uptake, a shortage in dietary Mg²⁺ cannot be compensated for either via skeletal mobilisation of Mg²⁺ or via up-regulation of ruminal absorption. In such situations, hypomagnesaemia will lead to decrease of a Mg²⁺ in the cerebrospinal fluid and clinical manifestations of tetany. Improved knowledge concerning the factors governing Mg²⁺ homeostasis will allow reliable recommendations for an adequate Mg²⁺ intake and for the avoidance of possible disturbances. Future research should clarify the molecular identity of the suggested Mg²⁺ transport proteins and the regulatory mechanisms controlling renal Mg excretion as parameters influencing Mg²⁺ homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]