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Stone matrix as proteins adsorbed on crystal surfaces: a microscopic study.
Scanning Electron Microscopy
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Urinary stones contain crystalline and non-crystalline phases. This study visualizes how urinary proteins adsorb onto calcium oxalate crystals, forming an amorphous coat, which may explain stone matrix formation.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Biomineralization
- Materials Science
Background:
- Urinary concretions (stones) consist of crystalline and non-crystalline phases with varying chemical compositions.
- The role of the organic matrix in stone formation is debated, with theories suggesting protein adsorption onto crystal surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize the crystal surfaces of urinary stones with adsorbed organic material.
- To investigate the origin of the amorphous matrix in urinary concretions.
Main Methods:
- Studied calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals from human urinary stones and experimentally formed crystals.
- Utilized light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, with and without EDTA digestion.
- Examined crystals incubated with gamma globulin or bovine serum albumin and those induced in rat renal tubules.
Main Results:
- All studied calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals were surrounded by an amorphous coat.
- This coat is hypothesized to form via the adsorption of urinary proteins onto crystal surfaces.
- Observed amorphous substances between crystals in whewellite renal stones.
Conclusions:
- The amorphous coat observed on urinary stone crystals likely originates from adsorbed urinary proteins.
- Protein adsorption onto crystal surfaces is a significant factor in the morphogenesis of the organic matrix in urinary concretions.