The mechanism of calcium oxalate crystal-induced haemolysis of human erythrocytes.

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals cause membrane damage in human erythrocytes, evident from K+ leakage and haemoglobin release. Whereas the hydrogen acceptor polyvinylpyridine-N-oxide is without effect on CaOx crystal-induced haemolysis, polyanions and negative proteins are strongly inhibitory. This indicates that positive charges are of importance for induction of haemolysis. These positive charges are located on the CaOx crystals. Removal of the negatively charged sialic acid from the cell surface does not affect CaOx crystal-induced haemolysis. CaOx crystals are able to release glucose from negatively charged liposomes, but not from positively charged liposomes. The results are compatible with the view that positive charges on the crystals are of predominant importance in CaOx-induced haemolysis, and that their interactions with negative charges or polarizable structures in the lipid part of the membrane leads to membrane disruption.