The origin of nephrocalcinosis, Randall's plaque and renal stones: a cell biology viewpoint
Gambaro, G.; Abaterusso, C.; Fabris, A.; Ruggera, L.; Zattoni, F.; Del Prete, D.; D'Angelo, A.; Anglani, F.
Archivio Italiano di Urologia Andrologia Organo Ufficiale di Societa Italiana di Ecografia Urologica e Nefrologica 81(3): 166-170
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1124-3562 PMID: 19911679 Document Number: 629128
Medullary nephrocalcinosis is a rare condition typically observed in metabolic conditions prone to renal calcium stones. Randall's plaques are very frequently observed in the common idiopathic calcium-oxalate nephrolithiasis. These plaques are apatite mineral structures, and we propose they also are an example of nephrocalcinosis. While these calcium deposits are generally considered to be the consequence of purely physico-chemical phenomena, we advance the hypothesis that they form because of a true ectopic biomineralization in the renal tissue. Henle's loop epithelial cells, or pericyte-like interstitial cells, or papillary stem-cells differentiating along a bone lineage could be involved.