Amyloid. History and Amyloid UpdateX

Abstract

In summary, amyloid research in the 20th century was decisively shaped by the work of Divry, Romhányi, Benditt, Cohen, Westermark and Linke. The Congo red staining method introduced by Bennhold in 1922 has remained a fundamental investigative technique for protein deposits to this day. Whereas only four types of amyloid were known in the early 1950s, 47 distinct types are now recognised. From a therapeutic perspective, accurately determining the origin of amyloid poses a significant diagnostic challenge, which can be addressed through immuno- histochemical, mass spectrometry and molecular genetic analyses. The main objective of the biennial amyloid forums is to standardise diagnosis and treatment.