Histochemical study of rectal aminergic nerves in type I familial amyloid polyneuropathy.

We found degeneration of aminergic nerves in nine patients with type I familial amyloid polyneuropathy by histochemical study of rectal mucosa obtained by biopsy. There was prominent degeneration of aminergic nerves in four patients with uncontrollable alternating constipation and diarrhea, but aminergic nerves were relatively preserved in two patients with intermittent constipation or diarrhea. Sympathetic denervation of the gastrointestinal tract was probably important in causing bowel symptoms.