A new method to classify amyloid fibril proteins.

The permanganate method, the immunoperoxidase method, and a newly developed autoclave method were used to distinguish different types of amyloid fibril proteins in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. All tissues from permanganate-sensitive cases (AA type) lost the affinity of Congo red and green birefringence under polarized light after incubation with special autoclave treatment. AL type systemic amyloidosis and amyloid plaques of CJD and GSS were permanganate-resistant, but decreased markedly the affinity of Congo red after prolonged autoclaving. On the other hand, prealbumin type systemic amyloidosis and senile plaques of SDAT were resistant to both permanganate oxidation and prolonged autoclaving. Thus, amyloid plaques of CJD and GSS are identical to AL type in systemic amyloidosis, and senile plaques are similar to the prealbumin type. However, anti-prealbumin antiserum did not stain senile plaque amyloid. The anti-human P component stained positively systemic amyloids and cerebral amyloid plaques of SSE, but failed to stain senile plaques of SDAT. Therefore, the amyloid fibril protein of senile plaques is apparently different from other types of amyloid depositions. Amyloid plaques of SSE are different from senile plaques not only with regard to fibril proteins, but also to globular protein in the amyloid.