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Scanning Electron Microscopy of Human Urine and Purified Tamm-Horsfall's Glycoprotein

1988; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 22; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.3109/00365598809180806

1651-2065

Roger Bjugn, Per R. Flood,

Bladder and Urothelial Cancer Treatments

Dialyzed and dehydrated human urine and purified Tamm-Horsfall's glycoprotein revealed similar morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Single filaments, with diameters between 15-45 nm, splitting off and merging with thicker fibers at irregular intervals made up a three-dimensional meshwork with submicrometer pores. The resulting "fishing net" is capable of trapping microorganisms and may facilitate their elimination from the urinary tract by micturition. Tamm-Horsfall's glycoprotein may accordingly be a factor protecting against urinary tract infections.