Calcium Phosphate/Calcium Oxalate Crystal Association in Urinary Stones: Implications for Heterogeneous Nucleation of Calcium Oxalate

Abstract

Results of this and other studies from our laboratory indicate that epitaxy between various crystals, even though theoretically possible, appears unlikely in vivo. The appearance of specific crystalline combinations in stones is probably a result of the urinary environment being conducive for crystallization of those components. Heterogeneous nucleation of calcium oxalate is most probably induced by biological elements, including membranous cellular degradation products.