“Spontaneous” Seizing in Open-Field Tests by Mongolian Gerbils Fed Magnesium at Different Rates

Accounts of so-called “spontaneous” seizures by individual Mongolian gerbils during open-field tests resemble descriptions of magnesium tetany. A possible association between relative magnesium deficiency and tendency toward “spontaneous” seizures was explored through feeding groups of gerbils different rates of magnesium and subjecting the groups to open-field tests at intervals. Hypomagnesemia was related in degree of severity to length of survival, onset of seizing, and frequency of seizures.