1. This study was designed to investigate variations in erythrocyte magnesium in the presence of insulin (0.1 unit/l) in hypertensive subjects.

2. Plasma and erythrocyte magnesium levels were found to be significantly lower in hypertensive than in normotensive subjects.

3. The impaired response to insulin (0.1 units/l) of erythrocytes from hypertensive patients was not reversed by elevated extracellular Mg2+ (3.6 mmol/l).

4. Erythrocytes of hypertensive subjects showed an increased membrane microviscosity compared with normotensive subjects.

5. Lidocaine decreased erythrocyte membrane microviscosity and increased erythrocyte magnesium levels in the presence of insulin.

This content is only available as a PDF.
You do not currently have access to this content.