Characterization of different amyloids with immunological techniques.
We studied 71 cases of amyloidosis from the autopsy material of our institute. 17 cases were secondary amyloidosis of which 7 had initially been diagnosed as primary amyloidosis; all cases reacted positively with an anti-substance A antibody; 13 showed a suppression and 4 a strong reduction of the Congo red staining following tissue incubation in KMnO4. 25 cases were identified as primary amyloidosis of which 7 had initially not been recognized as such. In 16 cases amyloid deposits reacted positively with antibodies specific for the light chains of the immunoglobulins (3 X kappa, 13 X lambda). A monoclonal plasmacytic cell proliferation in the bone marrow was seen in 14 cases. In all cases deposits were KMnO4 resistant, but 1 case showed a slight reduction of staining intensity. 27 cases were cardio-vascular (senile) amyloidosis; in 20 cases at least 3 organs showed deposits; 12 cases had deposits in 5 and more organs. 2 cases were heredofamilial amyloidosis. In those 29 cases deposits reacted positively with an anti-prealbumin antibody, but were negative for AA and the light chains of the immunoglobulins; the Congo red staining remained strong in all cases when previously incubated in KMnO4. KMnO4-Congo red staining and antisera specific for AA, L-chains and prealbumin proved of value for classification of amyloidosis and for its organ distribution.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000682:Amyloid / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011228:Prealbumin / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D000685:Serum Amyloid A Protein / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D000682:Amyloid; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains; D011228:Prealbumin; D000685:Serum Amyloid A Protein