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Magnesium, Copper And Zinc Concentrations In Blood From Children With Diabetes Mellitus, Linda Lowers Jenkins

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Trace element levels in blood from diabetic children were investigated and compared to control children. Plasma, erythrocyte, mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells were analyzed for magnesium, copper, and zinc content. Leukocyte separation was performed by density gradient centrifugation on Ficoll-Hypaque, followed by washing steps to remove platelet contamination and hypotonic lysis to remove red cell contamination. Polarized Zeeman-effect atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for trace metal analysis.

Decreased plasma magnesium levels were observed in the diabetic children. This finding is well documented and probably due to increased urinary magnesium loss from glycosuria. Lymphocyte magnesium levels in the diabetic children were also …