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Generalized AA-amyloidosis in Siamese and Oriental cats
J S van der Linde-Sipman1, T A Niewold, P C Tooten
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Utrecht University, Netherlands.
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Siamese cats can develop a unique form of amyloidosis, a disease involving protein deposits. This condition in Siamese cats involves specific protein differences and may be hereditary.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Amyloidosis is a condition characterized by the abnormal deposition of amyloid proteins in tissues.
- Feline amyloidosis has been documented, but specific genetic and molecular characteristics can vary between breeds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological and molecular characteristics of amyloidosis in Siamese cats.
- To determine if the amyloid protein in Siamese cats differs from known forms.
Main Methods:
- Post-mortem examination of 194 Siamese and Oriental cats over a 7-year period.
- Gross pathology assessment, peroxidase antiperoxidase (PAP) staining for amyloid deposits.
- Purification of amyloid fibrils, isolation of the major protein (AA), and amino acid sequence analysis.
- Pedigree analysis of affected cats.
Main Results:
- Twelve cats (6.2%) were diagnosed with amyloidosis, showing enlarged livers, pale spleens, and dilated intestines.
- Amyloid deposits cross-reacted with anti-dog AA-antiserum.
- Amino acid sequencing revealed two substitutions in the Siamese cat AA protein compared to other known forms.
- Pedigree analysis suggested a familial inheritance pattern.
Conclusions:
- Siamese cats exhibit a distinct form of feline amyloid A (AA) protein, differing from known types.
- The findings suggest a genetic basis for this specific amyloidosis in Siamese cats.
- Further research into the genetic mutations underlying this condition is warranted.