Study on urine polyelectrolytes of cats with natural and experimental urolithiasis

Abstract

Urine polyelectrolytes (UPE) were isolated from control cats, naturally obstructed cats, and two groups of experimental cats (castrated and intact). The molecular weight distribution of the control and naturally obstructed UPE in different salt solutions indicated an increased precipitation of the UPE of the naturally obstructed cats. The amino acid content showed similar composition of the matrix of urinary claculi from the two experimental groups, although the composition of the UPE was different. The amino acid composition of the UPE from all groups showed a greater ratio of acidic to basic amino acids. Mucopolysaccharide content showed a possible major role for amino sugar-containing compounds in the aggregation of the organic matrix. From the data, the theory of an active mucoprotein matrix, formed from UPE, acting as a nucleating agent appeared to be supported.