Demonstration of Altered Tissue Mucopolysaccharides in Renal Calculus Disease by Selective Staining Techniques

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The role of altered renal tubule mucopolysaccharides as a predisposing factor to renal calcification and stone formation was studied in rats. Parathormone in a total dosage of from 500 to 1700 units was given to one group; oxamide in daily doses of less than 0.1 g to less than 1.0 g was given to a 2nd group; and the 3rd group received 1.0 g of uric acid daily for 12 days. Renal tissue was studied by means of Von Kossa, Hotchkiss, and Sison staining methods, and a combination of these methods. Renal calcification formation was produced by 3 compounds, parathormone, oxamide, and uric acid. An amount of each of these compounds which failed to produce calcification or stone formation within the rat kidney, produced a patchy increase in tubule mucopolysac-charide which was identical in kind, but not degree, to that produced by an effective calcifying amount of these compounds. Crystals or calcification subsequently was deposited only in these areas. It would appear, therefore, that the changes or alterations observed in renal tubule mucopolysaccharides were not due to tubule injury produced by crystals or stones in the tubules, but rather the renal tubular ground substance alterations necessary for subsequent calcification. The glomeruli were not involved.