OXALATE-INDUCED DAMAGE TO RENAL TUBULAR CELLS

Our own studies and those of others have shown that the incidence of c alcium oxalate stones and plaques is markedly increased by nephrotoxin s. The possible role of oxalate as a nephrotoxin has not been fully ap preciated. However, recent studies in experimental animals and in cult ured cells support this possibility. The results of these studies led us to hypothesize that hyperoxaluria promotes stone formation in sever al ways: by providing a substrate for the formation of the most common form of renal stones, calcium oxalate stones, and by inducing damage to renal epithelial cells. Damaged cells in rum would produce an envir onment favorable for crystal retention and provide membranous debris t hat promotes crystal nucleation, aggregation and adherence. The presen t report summarizes evidence for oxalate nephrotoxicity and discusses the potential importance of oxalate toxicity in the pathogenesis of st one disease.