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Vascular amyloid of unknown origin and senile transthyretin amyloid in the lung and gastrointestinal tract of old age: Histological and immunohistochemical studies
Author(s) -
Matsutani Hironobu,
Hoshii Yoshinobu,
Setoguchi Mihoko,
Kawano Hiroo,
Gondo Toshikazu,
Takahashi Mutsuo,
Yokota Tadaaki,
Ishihara Tokuhiro
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
pathology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.73
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1440-1827
pISSN - 1320-5463
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1827.2001.01213.x
Subject(s) - transthyretin , pathology , amyloid (mycology) , amyloidosis , immunohistochemistry , gastrointestinal tract , apolipoprotein b , medicine , cholesterol
The histological and immunohistochemical characteristics and the incidence of amyloid deposits in the tissues of the lung and gastrointestinal tract were investigated in 64 autopsied individuals who were 80 years and older (age range: 80–92 years; mean: 83.3 years). Immunohistochemical examination was performed with antibodies against amyloid A, transthyretin, immunoglobulin λ and κ light chain amyloid fibril proteins, β 2 ‐microglobulin, β protein, apolipoprotein AI, apolipoprotein AII, atrial natriuretic peptide, apolipoprotein E, and amyloid P component. Transthyretin amyloid fibril protein (ATTR) deposits were observed in five cases (7.8%). Gastrointestinal amyloid deposits of unknown origin were observed in the veins of the gastrointestinal tract in 26 cases (40.6%). This amyloid was regarded as portal amyloid with respect to distribution pattern. Pulmonary vascular amyloid deposits of unknown origin were observed in 12 cases (18.8%). These amyloid deposits were found mainly in medium‐sized veins in the lungs and did not react with any antibodies against amyloid fibril proteins except apolipoprotein E and amyloid P component. Eleven of the 26 cases (42.3%) showing portal amyloid also showed pulmonary vascular amyloid of unknown origin. The pulmonary vascular amyloid deposits were similar to the portal amyloid deposits with respect to their morphological features and their relation to elastic fibers in the vessels. Further morphological investigation and biochemical analysis of the pulmonary vascular amyloid and portal amyloid will resolve questions of their origins and relation.