Effect of glycosaminoglycans on calcium oxalate crystal aggregation

We have examined the effect of some glycosaminoglycan species on the aggregation of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal by means of a Coulter counter. Our results showed that hyaluronic acid stimulated the aggregation at low concentrations but inhibited it at higher concentrations, and that both chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate acted as inhibitors. Glycosaminoglycans seem, therefore, to have quite different effects on the calcium oxalate crystal aggregation within their individual range of urinary concentration.