STONE MATRIX AS PROTEINS ADSORBED ON CRYSTAL-SURFACES - A MICROSCOPIC STUDY

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • p. 379-385
Abstract
All urinary concretions are composed of a crystalline or mineral phase and a non-crystalline phase. Both phases vary markedly in their chemical nature. There are a number of theories about the role and morphogenesis of the organic phase or matrix. At least a part of the matrix may be formed by adsorption of urinary proteins onto crystal surfaces. Naturally occurring polymers have an affinity for calcium oxalate crystal surfaces and that spaces filled with amorphous substances exist between calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals of whewellite renal stones. These crystal surfaces were visualized with adsorbed organic material. Calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals from urinary stones [from humans] and crystal made in a crystallizer and incubated in .gamma. globulin or bovine serum albumin were studied. Calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals experimentally induced in rat renal tubules were studied. They were studied using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy with, as well as without, EDTA digestion. All crystals were surrounded by an amorphous coat which may have originated by adsorption of proteins on crystal surfaces.