[Studies on electronoptic and immunomorphological structure of amyloid]

Vergleichende Untersuchungen über das Amyloid und Paramyloid verschiedener Tierarten

The histochemical attributes of amyloid and paramyloid deposits were investigated and compared, using material from cattle, dogs, mink and horses. Histochemically, there is considerable similarity between amyloid and paramyloid. Both are built from a neuraminic acid and carbohydrate-containing protein (glycoprotein), but their neuraminic acid and carbohydrate contents vary considerably in the individual varieties of amyloid. The fibrin-positive substances demonstrable in paramyloid are an indication that blood proteins are incorporated in this variety of amyloid in larger amounts than in ordinary amyloid.

Immunofluorescence studies in primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis

Immunofluorescence studies were carried out on 47 patients with primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis. The majority had the macular, maculopapular or papular forms of lichen amyloidosus, although 3 patients had the nodular type. All biopsies fluoresced positively for immunoglobulins or complement, particularly IgM and C3. Staining for kappa and lambda light chains was positive. The consistent immunofluorescent patterns observed were similar in some respects to lichen planus, suggesting that colloid bodies and amyloid may share similar properties in acting as a filamentous sponge on to which immunoglobulins and complement are absorbed. The pathogenesis of lichen amyloidosus is compared with that of lichen planus.

[Amyloidosis of heart valves in dog]

Histological examination of 80 dogs with endocardiosis showed five cases of amyloidosis of the heart valves. The diagnosis was based on positive reactions of several stains and histochemical tests and the demonstration of a characteristic fibrillar structure in the amyloid deposits with the electron microscope. The possible pathogenetic relationship of valvular amyloidosis to endocardiosis in aging dogs is discussed.