Membrane alterations in magnesium-deficiency-induced malignant T cell lymphoma.

Malignant T cell lymphoma cells induced in the thymus by chronic Mg deficiency showed a less ruffled surface in the scanning electron microscope, particularly after intraperitoneal transplantation. Their content of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol was increased. The content of phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio, and thus membrane microviscosity, were decreased. The activity of phospholipid methyltransferase I and II was reduced. In parallel to these alterations, 45Ca2+ influx and efflux as well as 45Ca2+ content in mitochondria, microsomes and cytosol of lymphoma cells were enhanced.