Development and Reversibility of Urolithiasis in Rats by Mineral Mixtures

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Abstract
Following an observation of extensive urolithiasis in rats fed a 10% casein diet with the mineral mixture of Hubbell, Mendel, and Wakeman, experiments were performed to determine the time course of stone formation. Weanling male rats of three strains developed urinary tract stones within 1 week after being fed the experimental diet; the incidence and severity increased with time and death occurred in some animals from massive hematuria after 1 to 2 months. Substituting a mineral supplement with a more physiological Ca:P ratio after 3 weeks arrested the further development of urolithiasis. Earlier substituting, at 2 weeks, resulted in disappearance of stones already formed. It is concluded that urolithiasis due to a high Ca:P ratio is reversible in its early phase.