Experimental murine amyloidosis: experience with Candida albicans as an amyloidogenic agent and liver biopsy as a diagnostic tool

Abstract

We describe a method of inducing experimental amyloidosis in mice using injections of Candida albicans. Both viable and non-viable Candida produced amyloid and we compare the results with each method. Diagnosis was by liver biopsy, a technique of value in assessing the natural history of the disease. Once the amyloid had been induced, the disease always progressed until the animals died of generalised amyloidosis. This experimental model should, therefore, be suitable to use in assessing the treatment of amyloidosis.