Inhibition of Tertiary Calcium Phosphate Crystal Growth with Low Concentrations of Beryllium

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Abstract
Ten mg of tertiary Ca3(PO4)2 was shaken for 15 min. with 100 ml solution of BeCl2 in water varying in concentration from 10-5 10-1 m[image]/1. The solid was washed and dried and 2.5 mg placed in 50 ml of in vitro calcifying solution (Ca = 10 mg%, P = 5 mg%) at a pH of 7.3 and 37[degree] for 20 hrs. The Ca and phosphate content of the supernatant solution were determined. Crystal growth was totally inhibited by 10-2 m[image]/1 of Be; 10-3 m[image]/l inhibits partially; 10-4 m[image]/1 does not inhibit. Extremely low concentrations of Be ion (1 part per 100,000,000) can limit crystal growth. This function may be performed in vivo by critical concentrations of naturally occurring ions such as citrate, polyphosphate or some unknown substance(s). The ability to limit crystal growth of hydroxyapatite has theoretical implications for the dissolution of such crystals.

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