Simple method for the study of heterogeneous nucleation in calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

A simple method, based on optic microscopy and a counting chamber, has been devised for the study of heterogeneous nucleation in calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Calcium phosphate, uric acid, silica and macromolecular mucoprotein are proposed as possible nucleants. The importance of heterogeneous nucleation as a fundamental step in the formation of calcium oxalate calculi is demonstrated.