The TmMg and renal Mg threshold were assessed in normal subjects and in a number of pathological conditions. The TmMg in normal subjects was 1.4 mg/100 ml glomerular filtrate (GF) 1.73 m2 and numerically equalled the renal Mg threshold of 1.4 mg/100 ml. No significant difference was seen in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism. Patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, however, tended to have an elevated renal Mg threshold. Investigation of 3 patients with idiopathic renal Mg wasting demonstrated a normal TmMg but reduced renal Mg threshold. Urinary Mg excretion was also assessed in normomagnesemic alcoholic patients. Retention of a parenterally administered Mg load and renal Mg retention were significantly greater than normal despite normal serum Mg concentrations. These data suggest that determination of TmMg and renal Mg threshold may provide useful information in understanding Mg homeostasis in normal subjects and in disorders which may result in abnormal Mg metabolism.