Possible role of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein in calcium oxalate crystallisation.

The role of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THGP) in the crystallisation of calcium oxalate was investigated. The results showed THGP to have a weak inhibitory effect on crystal growth. In contrast, urinary macromolecules showed a strong inhibitory effect. THGP should, therefore, not be considered the main component of urinary macromolecules which have a strong inhibitory effect on crystal growth. However, THGP did enhance crystal production in the early phase of crystallisation. It appears that THGP should be viewed as a promoter rather than an inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystallisation at physiological concentrations.