Scanning electron microscopy of human urine and purified Tamm-Horsfall's glycoprotein.
Dialyzed and dehydrated human urine and purified Tamm-Horsfall's glycoprotein revealed similar morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Single filaments, with diameters between 15-45 nm, splitting off and merging with thicker fibers at irregular intervals made up a three-dimensional meshwork with submicrometer pores. The resulting "fishing net" is capable of trapping microorganisms and may facilitate their elimination from the urinary tract by micturition. Tamm-Horsfall's glycoprotein may accordingly be a factor protecting against urinary tract infections.
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Institute of Anatomy, University of Bergen, Norway.
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D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009088:Mucoproteins / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014556:Urine; D058949:Uromodulin
D009088:Mucoproteins; C548612:UMOD protein, human; D058949:Uromodulin