Printed in U S A CRYSTAL-CELL INTERACTION INHIBITION BY POLYSACCHARIDES

Purpose: We studied the effect of polysaccharides on interactions between calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals and cultured renal cells. Materials and Methods: Monolayers of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were incu-bated with radiolabeled crystals in the presence of various concentrations of natural glycosami-noglycans (GAGS) and semisynthetic polysaccharides (SSPs). Results: While most GAGs were found to have relatively little effect, SSPs (SP54, G871 and G872) were potent inhibitors of crystal-cell association. Pretreatment of crystals, but not of cells, was similarly effective, suggesting polysaccharide-induced modification of crystal surface prop-erties. Conclusions: This result further supports the idea that SSPs, and especially G872, are of potential interest for treatment of recurrent stone disease. KEY WORDS: calcium oxalate, glycosaminoglycans, polysaccharides Urinary supersaturation, crystal growth and agglomera-tion and crystal retention are considered important factors i