LIPID MATRIX OF DYSTROPHIC CALCIFICATION AND URINARY STONE

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • p. 1275-1284
Abstract
The concept that phospholipids, phosphatidyl serine(PS) in particular, play a role in tissue calcification has emerged recently and progressed rapidly. Membranous cellular degradation products upon various tissue injuries apparently serve as nidi of calcium apatite nucleation. The strong affinity of Ca for PS, and the frequent occurrence of calcification in apposition to the inner surface of membrane where PS resides, indicated that exposure of PS to the extracellular fluid with a high Ca concentration upon cell injury is largely responsible for erythrocytes dystorphic calcification. An abundance of membranous vesicles and other unidentified organic matrices were visualized in decalcified urinary stones. The role of degenerate cell membrane in stone formation is discussed. Erythrocytes adherent to bipyramid calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals apparently enhance crystal growth by a mechanism analogous to the kink site formation. Lipid matrix in the form of membrane plays an important role in dystrophic calcification and Ca containing stone formation.