Do Magnesium Ions Have Similar Effects as Calcium Ions on Resting Membrane Potential?

Authors

• Anthony Hana, University of KentuckyFollow
• Youngwoo Kim, University of KentuckyFollow
• Joy Bidros, University of KentuckyFollow
• Katie Neglia, University of KentuckyFollow
• Robin L. Cooper, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

Maintaining a membrane electrical potential of biological cells is a dynamic process, as some cells have a continually changing potential, like pacemaker cells, while other cells may function with large or small changes in the membrane potential. Additionally, some cells may change their electrical potential when stimulated or inhibited by electrical signals, chemical compounds, or both—either simultaneously or episodically. The persistent leak of K⁺ through two-pore-domain potassium channels (K2P) and of Na⁺ through Na⁺ leak channels (NALCNs) and the action of pumps and exchangers are primarily responsible for maintaining a resting potential. Ca²⁺ ions are known to block the NALCNs and result in a more hyperpolarized membrane potential, with a reduction in Ca²⁺ resulting in a depolarized state. Using the larval muscles of Drosophila, the membrane potentials were monitored as Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ concentrations were altered. Changes as large as 20 mM of Mg²⁺ had only small effects (1 to 2 mV) on the membrane potential compared to 3–5 mM changes in Ca²⁺ having larger effects (5–10 mV). Although, it appears raised [Mg²⁺] may dampen the changes induced by Ca²⁺. Simulations of the G-H-K equation estimate the changes in permeability of Na+ (pNa). These experiments are significant, as the clinical severity of hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia may also depend on Mg²⁺ levels.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Notes/Citation Information

© 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16030093

Funding Information

This research was funded by Chellgren Endowed Funding (R.L.C.) and alumni of the research group. Fellowship from the College of Health Sciences Undergraduate Research Experiences (K.N.)

Repository Citation

Hana, Anthony; Kim, Youngwoo; Bidros, Joy; Neglia, Katie; and Cooper, Robin L., "Do Magnesium Ions Have Similar Effects as Calcium Ions on Resting Membrane Potential?" (2026). Biology Faculty Publications. 232.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/biology_facpub/232