DETECTION OF FRAGMENTS OF BETA2-MICROGLOBULIN IN AMYLOID FIBRILS

A major controversy regarding dialysis related amyloidosis (DRA) is about the presence and the role of truncated forms of beta2-microglobulin (beta2M) in the amyloid fibrils. Whereas Linke et al have reported the presence of proteolyzed forms of beta2M in the amyloid deposits in over 12 cases, other groups have not confirmed this finding. A similar analysis conduced in our laboratory with beta2-fibrils obtained from six patients confirms Linke's data.