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  • Title: Low concentrations of ethanol deplete type-2 astrocytes of intracellular free magnesium.
    Author: Babu AN, Cheng TP, Zhang A, Altura BT, Altura BM.
    Journal: Brain Res Bull; 1999 Sep 01; 50(1):59-62. PubMed ID: 10507473.
    Abstract:
    The acute effects of low concentrations of ethanol on intracellular free magnesium ions ([Mg2+]i) in cultured type-2 astrocytes were studied by digital imaging microscopy using the Mg2+ fluorescent probe, mag-fura-2. In 0-mM ethanol, the basal level of [Mg+]i was 124.7+/-2.56 microM with a heterogeneous distribution within the cells. Treatment of the cells with 10 and 25 mM ethanol (10 min) resulted in rapid concentration-dependent reduction in [Mg2+]i; the greater the concentration of alcohol, the greater the depletion of [Mg2+]i. Exposure of cells to 10 and 25 mM resulted in approximately 27 and 50% reductions in [Mg2+]i, respectively. Reincubation in normal Mg2+-physiological buffer solution restored [Mg2+]i levels. These observations may suggest that acute "binge drinking" of ethanol, which often results in cerebral ischemia and stroke, may do so as a result of depletion of astrocytic [Mg2+]i, possibly producing disruption of the blood-brain barrier.
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