Calcium oxalate crystal morphology: influence of phospholipid micelles with compositions based on each leaflet of the erythrocyte membrane☆

Abstract Because phospolipids appear to be involved in kidney stone formation, we investigated in vitro calcium oxalate crystal formation in the presence of micelles corresponding to the phospholipid content in the cytoplasmic and exoplasmic leaflets of the plasma membrane. For these studies, we used values for phospholipid composition in human red blood cells as a model system. Distinct morphological and particle number concentrations were observed with these and phosphatidylcholine micelles as well. The relationship of these observations to mechanisms of crystal-membrane interactions and possible early steps in kidney stone formation are discussed.