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

Abstract

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.

Keywords::

• Tamm-Horsfall's glycoprotein
• urine
• ultra-structure