C. Mambule et al., Enhancement of AA-amyloid formation in mice by transthyretin amyloid fragments and polyethylene glycol, BBA-GEN SUB, 1474(3), 2000, pp. 331-336
The mechanism behind amyloid formation is unknown in all types of amyloidos
is. Several substances can enhance amyloid formation in animal experiments.
To induce secondary systemic amyloid (AA-type amyloid) formation, we injec
ted silver nitrate into mice together with either amyloid fibrils obtained
from patients with familial polyneuropathy (FAP) type I or polyethylene gly
col (PEG). Mice injected with silver nitrate only served as controls. Amylo
id deposits were detectable at day 3 in animals injected with amyloid fibri
ls and in those injected with PEG, whereas in control mice, deposits were n
ot noted before day 12. Our results indicate that amyloid fibrils from FAP
patients and even a non-sulfate containing polysaccharide (PEG) have the po
tential to act as amyloid-enhancing factors. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.
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