Effect of concentrations of magnesium ions on behavior of fibroblasts and osteoblasts

Abstract

Objective To find out the safe and optimal concentrations of magnesium ions for the growth of fibroblasts and osteoblasts,with the intention of using the data to control the degradation rate of medical magnesium implants.Methods Tendon and skull cells were isolated from adult New Zealand rabbits for primary culture.After subculture and identification,rabbit fibroblasts were prepared for culture in the medium containing magnesium ions at concentrations of 0,20,50,70,100,110,120,130,140 and 150 mmol/L respectively while rabbit osteoblasts in the medium containing magnesium ions at concentrations of 0,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,100,110 and 120 mmol/L respectively.Growth of the 2 kinds of cells in different concentrations of magnesium ions was observed and compared.Results The fibroblasts grew well in a range of concentrations from 0 mmol/L to 110 mmol/L.The cell viability was the highest at the concentration of 70 rmnol/L and significantly higher than those at other concentrations (P ＜ 0.05).The osteoblasts grew well in a range of concentrations from 0 mmol/L to 70 mmol/L.The cell viability was the highest at the concentration of 30 mmol/L and significantly higher than those at other concentrations (P ＜0.05).Conclusions For rabbit fibroblasts the safe range of concentrations of magnesium ions is from 0 mmol/L to 110 mmol/L and the optimal concentration 70 mmol/L.For rabbit osteoblasts the safe range of concentrations of magnesium ions is from 0 mmol/L to 70 mmol/L and the optimal concentration 30 mmol/L.These data provide evidence for better controlling the in vivo degradation rate of medical magnesium implants,for we can regulate the growth of osteoblasts and fibroblasts through regulating the concentrations of magnesium ions. Key words: Magnesium; Fibroblasts; Osteoblasts