[Effect of dietary magnesium levels on cardiac lesions in rats fed a diet rich in rapeseed oil].

Cardiac lesions (histiocyte infiltration and fibrosis) obtained in rats fed rapeseed oil and 3 magnesium levels (high, low and normal) during 30 or 50 days are quantified by their size. Correspondence factorial analysis is used to compare the results. After 30 days, less cardiac lesions of histiocyte infiltration or fibrosis appear with rats fed a diet high in both rapeseed oil and magnesium than with normal or low magnesium diet. After 50 days, cardiopathogenic effects are less severe with normal magnesium diet than with the others (high or low). In both cases, more severe lesions are seen with low magnesium diet. It is concluded that magnesium overload in the diet does not protect against the cardiopathogenic effects of a diet containing high levels of rapeseed oil. Classical nephrocalcinosis and hypomagnesemia are seen with a low magnesium diet (70 ppm).