Hepatobiliary System

Liver - Amyloid

Narrative
Comment:
Amyloid (Figure 1, arrows) occurs as a result of cells not being able to eliminate insoluble misfolded protein. It can be associated with overproduction of acute-phase protein in chronic inflammation. Amyloid deposition is rare in rats but is a common age-related change in some mouse strains that presumably have a genetic predisposition. Amyloid in the liver is considered secondary amyloidosis and is seen within sinusoids and blood vessel walls. Histochemical (e.g., Congo red) and immunohistochemical stains are useful for definitive diagnosis.
Recommendations:
Amyloid should be diagnosed and given a severity grade whenever present.
References:

Aigelsreiter A, Janig E, Stumptner C, Fuchsbichler A, Zatloukal K, Denk H. 2007. How a cell deals with abnormal proteins: Pathogenetic mechanisms in protein aggregation diseases. Pathobiology 74:145-158.

Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17643060

Greaves P. 2007. Histopathology of Preclinical Toxicity Studies: Interpretation and Relevance in Drug Safety Evaluation, 3rd ed. Elsevier, Amsterdam.

Abstract: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780444527714

Harada T, Enomoto A, Boorman GA, Maronpot RR. 1999. Liver and gallbladder. In: Pathology of the Mouse: Reference and Atlas (Maronpot RR, Boorman GA, Gaul BW, eds). Cache River Press, Vienna, IL, 119-183.

Abstract: http://www.cacheriverpress.com/books/pathmouse.htm

National Toxicology Program. 1993. NTP TR-443. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Oxazepam (CAS No. 604-75-1) in Swiss-Webster and B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Full Text: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/lt_rpts/tr443.pdf

Thoolen B, Maronpot RR, Harada T, Nyska A, Rousseaux C, Nolte T, Malarkey D, Kaufmann W, Kutter K, Deschl U, Nakae D, Gregson R, Winlove M, Brix A, Singl B, Belpoggi F, Ward JM. 2010. Hepatobiliary lesion nomenclature and diagnostic criteria for lesions in rats and mice (INHAND). Toxicol Pathol 38:5S-81S.

Full Text: http://tpx.sagepub.com/content/38/7_suppl/5S.full
  • Image of amyloid in the liver from a male Swiss Webster mouse in a chronic study

    Amyloid (arrows) in a male Swiss-Webster mouse from a chronic study.

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Amyloid (arrows) in a male Swiss-Webster mouse from a chronic study.
Amyloid (arrows) in a male Swiss-Webster mouse from a chronic study.
Amyloid in a male Swiss-Webster mouse from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1).
Amyloid in a male Swiss-Webster mouse from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1).

Author

Robert R. Maronpot, DVM, MS, MPH, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

John Cullen, VMD, PhD, DACVP, FIATP
Anatomic Pathology, Professor
North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Raleigh, NC

David E. Malarkey DVM, PhD, DACVP, FIATP
Head, National Toxicology Program Pathology Group
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch
Division of the National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC