Experimental calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis and the formation of human urinary stones.

Calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in rats requires induction of hyperoxaluria which results in increased urinary calcium oxalate supersaturation. As a result of low to mild chronic hyperoxaluria, calcium oxalate crystals deposit first in the papillary collecting ducts. Crystal deposition in the kidneys is preceded by calcium oxalate crystalluria and starts with the retention of aggregated calcium oxalate crystals in the renal tubules. Retained crystals move from the tubules to the interstitium, and in the process, become anchored to the tubular basement membrane. Crystal aggregates present in the superficial peripheral collecting ducts of the renal papillae ulcerate through to the papillary surface and grow into the stones.