IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DETECTION OF ADVANCED GLYCATION END-PRODUCTS IN DIALYSIS-RELATED AMYLOIDOSIS

beta(2)-Microglobulin (beta(2)m) isolated from the amyloid deposits in patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA) has been demonstrate d to be modified with advanced glycation end products (AGE). We produc ed a monoclonal anti-AGE antibody which localized AGE to amyloid depos its in patients with DRA by immunohistochemistry. The connective tissu es in the carpal tunnel were obtained from surgical specimens in six p atients with DRA. AGE were localized to the beta(2)m-positive amyloid deposits in these patients using the monoclonal anti-AGE antibody. AGE were also detected in infiltrating cells surrounding the amyloid depo sits. The AGE-positive cells were identified as macrophages, since the y showed positive staining with anti-CD68 antibody. In conclusion, AGE were demonstrated by immunohistochemical technique to be present in b oth beta(2)m-positive amyloid deposits and surrounding macrophages in patients with DRA.