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Senile aortic amyloid. Evidence for two distinct forms of localized deposits
G Mucchiano1, G G Cornwell, P Westermark
1Department of Pathology I, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Abstract:
Aortic tissues obtained at autopsy were examined from 84 patients (age, 18-96 years). Amyloid deposits were present in the media in 61 of 63 (97%) of the patients above the age of 50. In addition, intimal amyloid deposits were present in 35% of this group. Intimal amyloid differed from medial amyloid both in its morphologic characteristics and its association with atherosclerosis. An antiserum raised to a low molecular weight protein extracted from amyloid fibrils of the aortic media reacted specifically with medial amyloid but did not react with intimal deposits. Neither type of amyloid reacted with anti-ATTR (Senile systemic amyloid), anti-AANF (isolated atrial amyloid), or antisera to other known forms of amyloid. These findings are consistent with the presence of two separate forms of localized amyloid in the aging aorta.
Insights
Two distinct amyloid deposits occur in aging aortas. Medial amyloid is common in those over 50, while intimal amyloid is less frequent and associated with atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular pathology
- Aging research
- Biochemistry of amyloidosis
Background:
- Amyloidosis involves protein misfolding and deposition in tissues.
- The aging aorta is susceptible to various pathological changes.
- Localized amyloidosis can occur in specific organs, including the aorta.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of amyloid deposits in the aging human aorta.
- To differentiate between medial and intimal amyloid deposits.
- To determine if these amyloid forms are related to known amyloid types.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy-derived aortic tissues from 84 patients (aged 18-96) were analyzed.
- Histopathological examination identified amyloid deposits in aortic media and intima.
- Immunohistochemical analysis used antisera specific to different amyloid proteins.
Main Results:
- Amyloid deposits were found in the media of 97% of patients over 50.
- Intimal amyloid deposits were present in 35% of this older group.
- Medial and intimal amyloid showed distinct morphology and immunohistochemical reactivity, differing from known amyloid types.
Conclusions:
- The aging aorta harbors at least two distinct forms of localized amyloid.
- Medial and intimal aortic amyloidosis represent separate entities.
- These findings contribute to understanding age-related vascular pathology and amyloid diversity.