The rate of exchange of the endogenous Mg2+ of isolated rat liver mitochondria was measured by means of the radioisotope 28Mg. Two different centrifugation techniques yielding similar results, were utilized for separating the mitochondria from suspenpension media for analysis. Mitochondrial Mg2+ exchanges very slowly with externally added Mg2+. The influx of labeled Mg2+ observed in the presence of substrate is blocked by treatment with the respiratory inhibitor, rotenone, or the uncoupler, p-trifluoromethoxy(carbonylcyanide) phenylhydrazone. The observed rates of Mg2+ influx are similar in order of magnitude to rates of K+ influx measured under comparable conditions. Parathyroid hormone stimulates Mg2+ influx, but only when metabolic energy is available to support net Mg2+ uptake. © 1969.