Physiochemical characterization of cardiovascular calcified deposits. I. Isolation, purification and instrumental analysis.

Calcified human aortic atherosclerotic deposits and calf ventricular assist device bioprosthetic deposits were isolated and deproteinated by hydrazine treatment. Detailed chemical and instrumental analyses were applied to gain comprehensive physicochemical information which makes possible establishing compositional and structural similarities between the 2 types of pathologic mineral deposits which form on different host surfaces. These microcrystalline deposit materials are morphologically very heterogeneous and can be represented chemically as carbonate substituted apatite which, in some of its properties, significantly differs from hydroxyapatite. It is indicated that the mechanism for the formation of cardiovascular deposits proceeds through hydrolysis of octacalcium phosphate precursor.