Amyloidosis: A study of its pathogenesis and the role of humoral immunity

Abstract

The relationship of humoral antibody production and amyloid formation induced in the experimental animal was investigated. Amyloidosis was induced in hamsters by infection with Leishmania donovani and the antibody response to typhoid‐paratyphoid vaccine was analyzed on serum samples obtained before and during the stage of amyloid formation and deposition. The results indicate that the humoral antibody response to an antigenic challenge is not altered during any stage of the development of secondary amyloidosis. The data are compatible with the hypothesis that secondary amyloidosis results from chronic stimulation of the reticuloendothelial system by various factors, of which some may be immunogenic. Copyright © 1971 American College of Rheumatology