Calcium phosphate deposition in rat kidneys

Calcium phosphate (CaP) is a common constituent of human urinary stones. ^1,2 It is suggested to be involved in crystallization of the predominant crystalline component of most urinary stones namely the calcium oxalate (CaOx). In most stones, CaP is present as apatite which occurs in two forms, hydroxylapatite and carbonate apatite. Hydroxylapatite is generally found in stones associated with sterile urine while carbonate apatite is found in stones associated with infection. To better understand the mechanisms involved in CaP deposition in mammalian kidneys and the role of CaP in crystallization of CaOx we are involved in a study of renal deposition of CaP and CaOx in Sprague-Dawley rats.