Experimental Urolithiasis VII: Role of Sex and Genetic Strain in Determining Chemical Composition of Stones in Rats

Abstract

The influence of sex and genetic strain of rats on the chemical composition of artificially induced stones was investigated. Two different breeds of animals were used. The animals were kept on a standard diet. Foreign bodies were introduced and 6 weeks later the rats were sacrificed. Harlan male rats produce stones of almost pure magnesium ammonium phosphate, Holtzman females produce stones composed of a calcium phosphate salt, while remaining 2 groups form stones of varying composition. Evidence is presented suggesting that relatively slight differences in the urinary concentrations of Ca and Mg may account for the marked differences in the type of stone produced.