Molecular abnormality of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein in calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis

Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THP) inhibits self-aggregation of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals and may therefore be part of the natural defenses against deposition of COM in the kidney in the form of stones or nephrocalcinosis. We have studied THP from six patients with severe nephrolithia...

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Published inAmerican journal of physiology. Renal physiology Vol. 260; no. 4 Pt 2; pp. F569 - F578
Main Authors Hess, B, Nakagawa, Y, Parks, J H, Coe, F L
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.04.1991
Subjects
Adult
Amino Acids - analysis
Calcium Oxalate
Chromatography, Gel
Circular Dichroism
Crystallization
Electrochemistry
Humans
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Kidney Calculi - metabolism
Macromolecular Substances
Male
Middle Aged
Molecular Weight
Mucoproteins - chemistry
Mucoproteins - pharmacology
Mucoproteins - physiology
Sodium Chloride - pharmacology
Uromodulin
Viscosity
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Summary:Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THP) inhibits self-aggregation of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals and may therefore be part of the natural defenses against deposition of COM in the kidney in the form of stones or nephrocalcinosis. We have studied THP from six patients with severe nephrolithiasis and have found that their THP inhibits COM self-aggregation less than normal THP under conditions of NaCl and THP concentration and pH similar to those of human urine. The reason for the reduced inhibition of COM crystal aggregation seems to be an enhanced self-aggregation of patient THP, which removes it from effective interactions with the COM crystals. In one family, the father and the oldest son both excreted THP that behaved abnormally and in similar ways, whereas THP from the other son and from the wife behaved normally.
ISSN:0002-9513
1931-857X
1522-1466
DOI:10.1152/ajprenal.1991.260.4.F569