Studies on urinary stone formation: a saga of clinical investigation
Howard, J.E.
Johns Hopkins Medical Journal 139(6): 239-252
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-7263 PMID: 12399 Document Number: 97109
Urines from oxalate stone formers crystallized rachitic cartilage and prepared tendon, whereas normal urine did not. Unknown inhibitors in urine were sought which, over and above citric acid and Mg, provide more than half the total inhibiting activity found in urine. Phosphocitrate, a new natural compound not previously described, which has enormous potential to inhibit crystal growth of citrated hydroxyapatite was found. This may provide an explanation for the extraordinary effectiveness of phosphate therapy in preventing oxalate stones in recurrent stone formers.