The effect of Tamm-Horsfall Mucoprotein on the nucleation, growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals in vitro

Abstract

Objective To determine the effect of Tamm-Horsfall Mucoprotein (THM) on the nucleation, growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals (COM) in vitro. Methods THM was isolated from normal individuals according to the method of Tamm and Horsfall with a little modification. The concentration of calcium and the amount of COM crystals were determined in the artificial urine and seed crystal system with 0,10,50,100 mg/L THM. Results Under the concentrations of THM being 0,10,50,100 mg/L,the reductions of the concentration of calcium were 0.81,0.57,0.51,0.96 mmol/L; the amounts of nucleation were 3. 20 × 10~4,2. 32×x 10~4 ,1. 83× 10~4, 2. 85×10~4; the growth rate was 53.9% ,48.7% ,34.6% ,19. 8% ;the aggregation rate was 33. 2% ,11.7% ,9.4% ,and 66. 2% respectively. There was significant differences,P<0. 01. Conclusion THM could prevent the calcium oxalate crystals from nucleating,growing and aggregating with the physiological concentration range,but when the concentration of THM got a top limit of the physiological concentration,THM became a promoter of nucleating and aggregating of calcium oxalate crystals. Key words: Calcium oxalate; Mucoprotein; Growth; Aggregation