Citrate and urease-induced crystallization in synthetic and human urine.
The effects of citrate on the different phases of urease-induced crystallization were studied using Coulter counter techniques and optical microscopy. Citrate increased urine pH and markedly delayed the initiation of the crystallization (nucleation) in both human and synthetic urine. In synthetic urine, particle aggregation and especially particle growth were delayed and inhibited by citrate. In human urine, aggregation was distinctly inhibited by citrate. It appears that the susceptibility of urine to form crystals in the presence of urease activity is influenced by its citrate concentration.
Department of Urology, Sahlgrenska sjukhuset, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Y H
YH
Wang
L
L
Grenabo
H
H
Hedelin
R J
RJ
McLean
J C
JC
Nickel
S
S
Pettersson
D000328:Adult; D002951:Citrates / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000652:urine; D003460:Crystallization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D014510:Urease / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000652:urine; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000737:chemistry / Q000209:etiology* / Q000652:urine
D002951:Citrates; D014510:Urease