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Role Of Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate Crystal Interactions With Renal Epithelial Cells In The Pathogenesis Of Nephrolithiasis: A Review, John C. Lieske, Mary S. Hammes, F. Gary Toback

Scanning Microscopy

Renal tubular fluid in the distal nephron is supersaturated with calcium and oxalate ions that nucleate to form crystals of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), the most common crystal in renal stones. How these nascent crystals are retained in the nephron to form calculi in certain individuals is not known. Recent studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that COM crystals can bind within seconds to the apical surface of renal epithelial cells, suggesting one mechanism whereby crystals could be retained in the tubule. Adherence of crystals to cells along the nephron may be opposed by specific urinary anions such as glycosaminoglycans, …