Experimental magnesium deficiency has been produced by dietary means in intact and adrenalectomized rats. The numbers and distributions of eosinophiles and mast cells were studied.

1. Adrenal ablation produced a mild blood eosinophilia and the numbers of mast cells were reduced in peritoneal fluid. Tissue eosinophilia was not observed.

2. Magnesium deficiency in both intact and adrenalectomized rats is accompanied by an extremely high blood eosinophilia. Concurrently the numbers of peritoneal fluid eosinophiles increased while the numbers of peritoneal mast cells decreased.

3. Massive infiltration of eosinophiles into the lung, submaxillary gland and mesenteric lymph nodes were observed in all magnesium deficient groups. Mast cells were found in the liver sinusoids and spleen of adrenalectomized, magnesium deficient animals of the chronic phase where these cells are not normally present.

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© 1960 by American Society of Hematology, Inc.
1960
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