FIGURE 4.

MgSO₄ decreases cytokine production when added following LPS exposure, and decreased cytokine production is mediated by magnesium. (A) CBMCs were stimulated with LPS for 15 min prior to MgSO₄ exposure (15 min Post LPS) to permit LPS/TLR binding. Inhibition of cytokine production was observed (at levels similar to those seen when MgSO₄ and LPS are added simultaneously; n = 4) and compared with cells from the same donor not supplemented with magnesium (φ). (B) CBMCs were stimulated with LPS alone, in the presence of MgSO₄ supplementation (2.5 mM), or with equimolar concentrations of related salts (MgCl₂ or Na₂SO₄). The percentage change in cytokine production for each salt was calculated based on ICS (n = 5, *p < 0.01); SEM is shown. Both MgCl₂ and MgSO₄, decrease TNF-α and IL-6 production compared with untreated cells, whereas Na₂SO₄ failed to decrease cytokine production.