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Oxalate binding protein from the kidney of rat and human mitochondria: studies on properties.

The oxalate binding protein of rat and human kidney mitochondria were extracted by Triton X-100 and purified on Sephadex G-200 column followed by HPLC. Their molecular masses were found to be 62 kD and 58 kD respectively, rich with arginine and acidic amino acids, 7% of carbohydrates and 1% of inorganic ions. Antibodies raised to the rat protein inhibited the oxalate binding and cross-reacted to the human protein as well as rat liver protein. The binding of oxalate to the protein was rapid, reversible, dependent on concentration of oxalate, temperature sensitive and inhibited by oxalate analogues. The saturation reached at 175 nM oxalate for rat protein with a Kd of 33.3 nM and Bmax of 21 nmoles while for human protein the saturation reached at 183 nM oxalate and had a Kd of 41 nM and Bmax of 14 n moles. The half-saturation concentration of inhibitor (IC50) of oxalate was 0.25 microM for rat protein and 0.225 microM for human protein while the structural analogues of oxalate had higher IC50 values. Proteoliposomes showed accumulation of oxalate confirming transport function of the protein. The rat protein promoted calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro better than that of human protein and antibody inhibited the crystal growth in vitro.

Animals↗

Oxalate uptake in fetal rat myoblasts.

Oxalate uptake was studied in fetal rat myoblasts to attempt to define the characteristics of oxalate transport in myocardial cells. Oxalate uptake was found to be time, temperature and pH dependent and was inhibited by metabolic inhibitors (Dinitrophenol and iodoacetamide). Inhibition of oxalate uptake by 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) suggested transport by an anion exchange mechanism. Both chloride and sulfate inhibited oxalate uptake suggesting competition by both ions for a combined transporter. Although medium calcium concentration and calcium ionophores had no effect on oxalate uptake, the calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, significantly decreased oxalate uptake. Diacylglycerol (DAG) stimulated oxalate uptake, while forskolin had no effect. These studies suggest that myocardial cells transport oxalate by a mechanism similar to that described in renal epithelial cells. The uptake of oxalate by myocardial cells raises questions about the physiologic role of oxalate in myocardial cells and the mechanism of cardiac problems in primary hyperoxaluria.

Animals↗

Urinary excretion of oxalate by patients with renal hypercalciuric stone disease. Effect of chronic treatment with hydrochlorothiazide.

Hydrochlorothiazide is employed to reduce calcium excretion in patients with urinary stone disease secondary to renal leak hypercalciuria. Because the drug also has been reported to be a competitive inhibitor of oxalate excretion by the renal tubules, we sought to determine whether chronic use indeed affected the amount of oxalate excreted. Patients taking hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg daily did not have a statistically significant reduction in twenty-four-hour urinary oxalate on their customary diets (pretreatment 37 +/- 3 mg/day [mean +/- S.E.M.; N = 22]; at one year 36 +/- 3 mg/day [N = 22]; at two years 37 +/- 3 mg/day [N = 16]). In 12 patients who voluntarily collected twelve-hour urine specimens after dinner on the third day of a low-oxalate diet and again the next day after a 1 g oxalate load, hydrochlorothiazide had no significant effect on oxalate excretion (19 +/- 2.3 mmol oxalate/mol creatinine on hydrochlorothiazide versus 20.6 +/- 2.6 mmol off the drug after low oxalate meal; 50 +/- 7.8 mmol/mol creatinine on hydrochlorothiazide versus 56.2 +/- 7.5 mmol off the drug after an oxalate load). As expected, there was a significant reduction in urinary calcium excretion and thus of calcium oxalate urinary saturation during hydrochlorothiazide administration. Hydrochlorothiazide by itself is not sufficient to reduce oxalate excretion in patients with renal leak hypercalciuria.

Adult↗

Intestinal absorption of oxalate and calcium in patients with jejunoileal bypass.

Jejunoileal bypass (JIB) has been widely performed for treatment of excessive obesity. Formation of calcium oxalate stones is a common side effect. Since, under physiological conditions, the intestinal absorption of calcium and that of oxalate are interrelated, intestinal oxalate and calcium absorption were measured in the present study by isotope techniques in 19 JIB patients and 20 healthy controls. The JIB patients showed pronounced hyperoxaluria and markedly increased absorption of oxalate, with a urinary excretion of 14C-oxalate of 29 +/- 19% (controls 6.2 +/- 3.7%; p less than 0.001). There was a strong correlation between the intestinal absorption and urinary excretion of oxalate in the JIB patients (r = 0.72; p less than 0.001). Furthermore, their oxalate kinetics was altered, with continued urinary excretion of 14C-oxalate for up to 48 hours. The JIB patients also had reduced calcium absorption (36 +/- 9.1% vs. 47 +/- 9.0%; p less than 0.001) and patients with malabsorption of calcium and low urinary calcium had the highest intestinal absorption and urinary excretion of oxalate. It is concluded that hyperoxaluria in JIB patients is due to a significant extent to hyperabsorption of oxalate.

Adult↗

Oxalate- and Glyoxylate-Dependent Growth and Acetogenesis by Clostridium thermoaceticum.

The acetogenic bacterium Clostridium thermoaceticum ATCC 39073 grew at the expense of the two-carbon substrates oxalate and glyoxylate. Other two-carbon substrates (acetaldehyde, acetate, ethanol, ethylene glycol, glycolaldehyde, glycolate, and glyoxal) were not growth supportive. Growth increased linearly with increasing substrate concentrations up to 45 mM oxalate and glyoxylate, and supplemental CO(2) was not required for growth. Oxalate and glyoxylate yielded 4.9 and 9.4 g, respectively, of cell biomass (dry weight) per mol of substrate utilized. Acetate was the major reduced end product recovered from oxalate and glyoxylate cultures. C labeling studies showed that oxalate was subject to decarboxylation, and product analysis indicated that oxalate was utilized by the following reaction: 4OOC-COO + 5H(2)O --> CH(3)COO + 6HCO(3) + OH. Oxalate- and glyoxylate-dependent growth produced lower acetate concentrations per unit of cell biomass synthesized than did H(2)-, CO-, methanol-, formate-, O-methyl-, or glucose-dependent growth. Protein profiles of oxalate-grown cells were dissimilar from protein profiles of glyoxylate-, CO-, or formate-grown cells, suggesting induction of new proteins for the utilization of oxalate. C. thermoaceticum DSM 2955 and Clostridium thermoautotrophicum JW 701/3 also grew at the expense of oxalate and glyoxylate. However, oxalate and glyoxylate did not support the growth of C. thermoaceticum OMD (a nonautotrophic strain) or six other species of acetogenic bacteria tested.

Journal Article↗

In situ characterization of oxalate transport across the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule.

Oxalate transport across the contraluminal membrane of the proximal tubule was studied in vivo using the "capillary stopped flow microperfusion method" (Pflügers Arch 400:250-256, 1984). Cellular uptake of oxalate was characteristic of a carrier-mediated transport process (Jmax = 1.6 +/- 0.6 pmol/s per cm proximal tubular length, Km = 2.03 +/- 0.77 mmol/l). Sulphate inhibited oxalate transport in a dose-dependent manner (Ki-value = 1.53 +/- 0.38 mmol/l). Sulphate transport across the basolateral membrane was also characteristic of a carrier- mediated transport process (Jmax = 1.83 +/- 0.56 pmol/s per cm proximal tubular length, Km = 1.37 +/- 0.57 mmol/l). Oxalate inhibited the sulphate transport in a dose-dependent manner (Ki = 2. 06 +/- 0.82 mmol/l). No significant differences were found between the Ki values and the Km values of the two substances, indicating that oxalate and sulphate are transported by the same carrier across the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule. Oxalate transport was not dependent on the extracellular sodium or potassium concentration. Bicarbonate competitively inhibited the oxalate transport. Chloride significantly inhibited the oxalate transport, but not dose dependently. It is, therefore, suggested that oxalate is transported into the cell of the proximal tubule in exchange for sulphate or bicarbonate. The dose-independent inhibition by chloride is suggested to be mediated by the coupling of the sulphate (bicarbonate)/oxalate exchanger with the chloride/bicarbonate exchanger at the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule. This, furthermore, suggests that the transport of oxalate or sulphate across the basolateral membrane might be indirectly coupled with the reabsorption of chloride at this membrane side.

Animals↗

Oxalate mediated nephronal impairment and its inhibition by c-phycocyanin: a study on urolithic rats.

The assumption of oxidative stress as a mechanism in oxalate induced renal damage suggests that antioxidants might play a beneficial role against oxalate toxicity. An in vivo model was used to investigate the effect of C-phycocyanin (from aquatic micro algae; Spirulina spp.), a known antioxidant, against calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Hyperoxaluria was induced in two of the 4 groups of Wistar albino rats (n = 6 in each) by intraperitoneally injecting sodium oxalate (70 mg/kg body weight). A pretreatment of phycocyanin (100 mg/kg body weight) as a single oral dosage was given, one hour prior to oxalate challenge. An untreated control and drug control (phycocyanin alone) were employed. Phycocyanin administration resulted in a significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the thiol content of renal tissue and RBC lysate via increasing glutathione and reducing malondialdehyde levels in the plasma of oxalate induced rats (p < 0.001), indicating phycocyanin's antioxidant effect on oxalate mediated oxidative stress. Administering phycocyanin after oxalate treatment significantly increased catalase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (p < 0.001) in RBC lysate suggesting phycocyanin as a free radical quencher. Assessing calcium oxalate crystal retention in renal tissue using polarization microscopy and renal ultrastructure by electron microscopy reveals normal features in phycocyanin-- pretreated groups. Thus the study presents positive pharmacological implications of phycocyanin against oxalate mediated nephronal impairment and warrants further work to tap this potential aquatic resource for its medicinal application.

Animals↗

Substituting milk for apple juice does not increase kidney stone risk in most normocalciuric adults who form calcium oxalate stones.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing intake of dietary calcium from less than 400 mg to 800 mg daily may decrease the absorption of dietary oxalate, which in turn would decrease urinary oxalate excretion. The effect of substituting milk for apple juice on urine composition and risk of calcium oxalate precipitability was studied. SUBJECTS: Twenty-one normocalciuric adults with a history of at least 1 calcium oxalate stone and urinary oxalate excretion exceeding 275 micromol/day on their self-selected diet. DESIGN: Randomized crossover trial. INTERVENTION: Each participant consumed two moderate-oxalate (2,011 micromol/day) study diets, which were identical except that one contained 360 mL milk and the other contained 540 mL apple juice as the beverage with meals. SETTING: Four days free-living then 2 days in the metabolic unit of a university nutrition department. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Tiselius risk index for calcium oxalate precipitability calculated from urine composition. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Paired t tests. RESULTS: Twenty-four hour urinary oxalate excretion was 18% lower (P<.0001) on the milk diet vs the juice diet: 423 vs 514 micromol, respectively. Calcium excretion was 17% higher (P<.05) on the milk vs juice diet: 4.7 vs 3.9 mmol, respectively. Urinary magnesium and citrate excretion, volume, and Tiselius risk index did not differ between diets. APPLICATIONS: Substituting 360 mL milk daily for apple juice with meals in a diet containing moderate amounts of dietary oxalate from whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables does not increase the risk index of calcium oxalate precipitability in most normocalciuric adults who form stones.

Adult↗

Essential roles of CFEX-mediated Cl(-)-oxalate exchange in proximal tubule NaCl transport and prevention of urolithiasis.

The majority of the Na(+) and Cl(-) filtered by the kidney is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule. In this nephron segment, a significant fraction of Cl(-) is transported via apical membrane Cl(-)-base exchange: Cl(-)-formate exchange, Cl(-)-oxalate exchange, Cl(-)-OH(-) exchange, and Cl(-)-HCO(3)(-) exchange. A search for the transporter responsible for apical membrane Cl(-)-formate exchange in the proximal tubule led to the identification of CFEX (SLC26A6). Functional expression studies in Xenopus oocytes demonstrated that CFEX is capable of mediating not only Cl(-)-formate exchange but also Cl(-)-oxalate exchange, Cl(-)-OH(-) exchange, and Cl(-)-HCO(3)(-) exchange. Studies in CFEX-null mice have begun to elucidate which of the anion exchange activities mediated by CFEX is important for renal physiology and pathophysiology in vivo. Measurements of transport in renal brush border vesicles isolated from CFEX-null mice demonstrated that CFEX primarily mediates Cl(-)-oxalate exchange rather than Cl(-)-formate exchange. Microperfusion studies in CFEX-null mice revealed that CFEX plays an essential role in mediating oxalate-dependent NaCl absorption in the proximal tubule. CFEX-null mice were found to have hyperoxaluria and a high incidence of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. The etiology of hyperoxaluria in CFEX-null mice was observed to be a defect in oxalate secretion in the intestine, leading to enhanced net absorption of ingested oxalate and elevation of plasma oxalate. Thus, by virtue of its function as a Cl(-)-oxalate exchanger, CFEX plays essential roles both in proximal tubule NaCl transport and in the prevention of hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.

Animals↗

An inheritable anomaly of red-cell oxalate transport in "primary" calcium nephrolithiasis correctable with diuretics.

We measured the rate of oxalate flux across the red-cell membrane in the steady state in 114 patients with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones and in 25 controls. Of the patients, 98 had recurrent, "idiopathic" kidney stones, 8 had primary hyperparathyroidism, 7 had renal or urinary tract malformations, and 1 had primary hyperoxaluria. Oxalate exchange was significantly higher in the 98 patients with idiopathic stone formation than in the controls (-1.10 +/- 0.95 [SD] X 10(-2) min-1 vs. -0.31 +/- 0.12 X 10(-2); P less than 0.001); it was above the upper limits of normal in 78 of these patients. All 8 patients with hyperparathyroidism and the patient with primary hyperoxaluria had values in the normal range; 2 of the patients with renal or urinary tract malformation had values at the upper normal limit. A study of five families indicated that the abnormality is an autosomal monogenic dominant trait with complete penetrance and variable expressivity. Oxalate-tolerance tests were carried out in five pairs of brothers. One brother in each pair had the abnormality in oxalate flux, and had a significantly higher percentage of oxalate excretion at two hours after oxalate loading (18.09 +/- 3.07 [SD] vs. 10.37 +/- 3.08 percent; t = 3.97; P less than 0.005) and four hours (14.87 +/- 2.91 vs. 9.89 +/- 2.93 percent; t = 2.70; P less than 0.05). Treatment with oral hydrochlorothiazide (50 mg per day) or amiloride (5 mg per day) or both restored normal or nearly normal red-cell oxalate exchange in all of 33 patients who initially had increased rates. We conclude that an inherited cellular defect in oxalate transport may be a factor in "primary" calcium oxalate stone formation and that this defect may be corrected with diuretics.

Adolescent↗

Intestinal oxalate and calcium absorption in recurrent renal stone formers and healthy subjects.

The fractional intestinal absorption of oxalate and calcium was investigated by isotope techniques in 20 normal subjects and in 12 idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers. The greatest amount of 14C-oxalate was excreted during the first six hour period in controls as well as in stone formers. The stone formers had a greater intestinal uptake of oxalate (11 +/- 5.1%) than the controls (6.2 +/- 3.7%; p less than 0.01). There was no significant relationship between the fractional absorption of oxalate and the total urinary oxalate excretion. The stone formers also had a higher fractional uptake of calcium compared to the controls (55 +/- 11% vs. 47 +/- 9.1%; p less than 0.05). There was a positive relationship (r = 0.47) between the urinary excretions of calcium and oxalate in the stone formers. During these conditions no correlation could be demonstrated between the fractional absorptions of oxalate and calcium, neither in the stone formers nor in the controls. In conclusion, patients with recurrent formation of calcium oxalate containing stones appear to have an enhanced intestinal uptake of both oxalate and calcium. This disturbance could be of primary pathogenic importance for their stone forming propensity.

Adult↗

Uremic levels of oxalic acid suppress replication and migration of human endothelial cells.

Patients with chronic renal failure who undergo hemodialysis experience accelerated atherosclerosis and premature death. Since the end-metabolite, oxalic acid, accumulates in plasma in proportion to the severity of renal failure, we studied whether sodium oxalate (0 to 300 microM) is an endothelial toxin and, therefore, might enhance atherogenesis. Exposure to uremic levels of oxalate (greater than 30 microM) for 9 to 28 days depressed endothelial cell replication by 33% to 84% (mean +/- SD, 54% +/- 15.7%, n = 17 experiments, p = 0.002). In contrast, replication of fibroblasts exposed to 200 microM oxalate for 45 days was not inhibited. The inhibitory effect of oxalate on endothelial cell replication was both dose- and time-dependent (both p less than 0.0001) and was first detected 3 to 7 days after the initial exposure to oxalate. Further, the inhibitory effect was fully reversible upon removal of oxalate, but only if exposure was limited to 5 days or less. Sodium salts of other carboxylic acids (citric, succinic, glyoxylic, and malonic; 200 microM) as well as HCl (200 microM) did not suppress endothelial cell replication. Oxalate also inhibited endothelial cell migration but had no effect on basal, thrombin-induced, or arachidonate-induced prostacyclin production by endothelial cells. Exposure of endothelial cells to sodium oxalate (200 microM) for as little as 24 hours-a time period sufficient to induce delayed, transient inhibition of replication not detectable until approximately 1 week after exposure-inhibited incorporation of 3H-leucine into protein by 40% (p = 0.009). We conclude that sodium oxalate acts as a uremic toxin, inhibiting endothelial cell replication and migration, functions which may be important for constitutive inhibition of atherosclerosis.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Modified enzyme-based colorimetric assay of urinary and plasma oxalate with improved sensitivity and no ascorbate interference: reference values and sample handling procedures.

The measurement of oxalate in urine and plasma continues to be difficult, particularly in the presence of ascorbate. We have modified and validated a colorimetric assay involving the use of oxalate oxidase (EC 1.2.3.4). Modification of an HPLC spectrophotometric detector improved sensitivity (to as much as 1000-fold that of conventional spectrophotometers) and allowed measurement of oxalate concentrations less than 1 mumol/L. This provided more than enough sensitivity for measurement of normal concentrations of plasma oxalate. We established reference values for oxalate concentrations in urine and plasma, studied sample handling, and established conditions to avoid ascorbate interference in urine and plasma measurements. Mean analytical recovery of [14C]oxalate from plasma to the filtrate was 86 (SD 10)%; recovery of unlabeled oxalate from filtrate was 87 (SD 9)%. Urinary oxalate excretion rates in apparently healthy controls were 0.11-0.46 mmol/24 h. Plasma concentrations in control subjects were 2.5 (SD 0.7) mumol/L, similar to concentrations determined by recent gas chromatographic and isotope dilution methods. Frozen and acidified urine samples showed no interference from ascorbate when excess ascorbate was avoided. Ingestion of 2 g of ascorbate daily did not increase urinary oxalate in healthy control subjects, but during storage ascorbate was converted to oxalate in all conditions tested.

Adult↗

Plasma concentration and peritoneal clearance of oxalate in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Accumulation of oxalate, resulting in high plasma levels, is a common finding in end-stage renal disease. We investigated plasma concentration and peritoneal clearance of oxalate in 14 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The plasma oxalate levels in these patients (30.2 +/- 11.2 mumol/l) were as high as those in hemodialysis patients before dialysis (31.9 +/- 11.1 mumol/l). There was a significant correlation between plasma oxalate and urea nitrogen appearance (UNA). Dietary protein seems to be an important oxalate source in these patients, because the UNA reflects protein intake in stable patients. The mean peritoneal oxalate clearance was 6.64 +/- 1.56 l/day, close to the creatinine clearance. These results suggest that the plasma oxalate levels in CAPD patients may be sufficiently high to induce calcium oxalate deposition, and that methods of increasing oxalate removal and reducing oxalate burden are necessary for CAPD patients.

Adolescent↗

Occurrence of histone-related oxalate binding in rat liver nucleus.

The rat liver nuclear oxalate binding protein was isolated, purified by anion and cation exchange column chromatography using Diethyl Amino Ethyl Sephadex, Carboxy Methyl Cellulose and Carboxy Methyl Sephadex C-50 ion exchangers. The purified oxalate binding protein was found to be H1B of H1 fraction of histones. Kinetic analysis of oxalate binding showed the presence of two affinity sites, one with Kd of 133.5 nM and Bmax of 40 pmoles and another with Kd of 262.5 nM and Bmax of 210 pmoles. The optimal oxalate binding was at pH 4.2 and at 28 degrees C. The oxalate binding was specific and reversible and not due to ionic charge interaction. The IC50 of other dicarboxylates was higher than that of oxalate. EGTA had no effect on oxalate binding but di- and tri-carboxylate carrier inhibitors and thiol modifying agents significantly lowered the binding activity. Oxalate binding to histones was significantly reduced in the presence of DNA or nucleotides, but RNA had no effect. ATP completely inhibited the oxalate binding activity at 1 mM concentration. Different tissues exhibited oxalate binding showing ubiquitous nature. Calf thymus H1 showed maximal binding similar to liver histones.

Animals↗

Triamterene and renal stone formation: the influence of triamterene and triamterene stones on calcium oxalate crystallization.

A constant composition method has been used to compare the effects of triamterene renal stone material, synthetic triamterene precipitates, and soluble triamterene on the nucleation and crystallization kinetics of calcium oxalate in aqueous solution in vitro. Crystallization studies have been carried out with the concentrations of calcium and oxalate ions maintained constant by the potentiometrically controlled addition of concentrated reagent solutions containing these ions. Triamterene renal stones were found to be much less effective than synthetic triamterene towards promoting the nucleation and crystallization of calcium oxalate from supersaturated solution. Renal stones composed of triamterene and matrix did not significantly enhance the deposition of calcium oxalate compared to nonseeded controls. The triamterene stones were also found to be ineffective in promoting calcium oxalate crystallization compared to other precipitates thought to be involved in the etiology of stone disease such as calcium hydroxyapatite. For stones of mixed triamterene/calcium oxalate composition, the enhancement of the nucleation and crystallization of calcium oxalate was directly related to the calcium oxalate content of the stone seed material. The presence of soluble triamterene or its metabolites in solution did not influence the crystallization kinetics of pure calcium oxalate seed materials. The results of this study indicate that triamterene in stones does not significantly contribute to further stone development through the enhancement of calcium oxalate crystallization processes.

Calcium Oxalate↗

Protective role of heparin/heparan sulfate on oxalate-induced changes in cell morphology and intracellular Ca2+.

Alterations in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) are generally associated with cellular distress. Oxalate-induced cell injury of the renal epithelium plays an important role in promoting CaOx nephrolithiasis. However, the degree of change in intracellular free calcium ions in renal epithelial cells during oxalate exposure remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine whether acute short-term exposure to oxalate produces morphological changes in the cells, induces a change in cytosolic Ca2+ levels in renal tubular epithelial cells and whether the application of extracellular glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) prevents these changes. Cultured Mardin-Darby canine kidney cells were exposed to oxalate, and changes in cytosolic Ca2+ were determined under various conditions. The effect of heparin and heparan sulfate (HS) during oxalate exposure was examined. The change in the GAG contents of the culture medium was also determined. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed for morphological analysis. The degree of change in cytosolic Ca2+ strongly correlated with oxalate concentration. Cytosolic Ca2+ levels decreased in parallel with an increase in the concentration of oxalate. However, this decrease was strongly inhibited by pretreatment with heparin or HS. TEM revealed cytoplasmic vacuolization, the appearance of flocculent material and mitochondrial damage after oxalate exposure. On the other hand, pretreatment with heparin or HS completely blocked these morphological changes. The present data suggest that acute exposure to a high concentration of oxalate challenges the renal cells, diminishes their viability and induces changes in cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Heparin and HS, which are known as potent inhibitors of CaOx crystallization, may also prevent oxalate-induced cell changes by stabilizing the cytosolic Ca2+ level.

Animals↗

Gastrointestinal oxalic acid absorption in calcium-treated rats.

We studied whether urinary oxalate excretion after an acute oral load of oxalic acid is influenced by concomitant administration of calcium in rats. Male Wistar rats weighing approximately 180 g were divided into six groups of five animals each. After inducing anesthesia, the animals were orally (via a gastrostomy) given 110 micromol of oxalic acid along with 0, 27.5, 55, 110, or 220 micromol of calcium (0, 27.5, 55, 110, or 220 micromol Ca group, respectively). Saline was given to the control group instead of oxalic acid. Urine specimens were collected before administration and then at hourly intervals up to 5 h afterward. Urinary oxalate and citrate levels were measured by capillary electrophoresis, while urinary calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels were measured by ICP spectrophotometry. Urinary oxalate excretion peaked at 1 h after administration and was higher in the 0, 27.5, and 55 micromol Ca groups than in the control group. The urinary recovery of oxalate in these groups was 10-15%, while the recovery rate was less than 3% in other groups. Urinary Ca excretion showed no significant changes, either over time or between groups. Free oxalic acid is absorbed more readily from the gastrointestinal tract than calcium oxalate, while simultaneous administration of calcium appears to block intestinal oxalic acid absorption in a dose-dependent manner.

Animals↗