The Prevalence of Colonic Amyloidosis in Baboons. A 22-year Survey at a Large Primate Facility

Abstract

Background: Colonic amyloidosis has been previously reported in animals, however its prevalence rate has not yet been explored. The aim of the present work was to assess the prevalence of colonic amyloidosis at the Southwest National Primate Research Center since 1986. Materials and Methods: Colonic amyloidosis was sought in autopsy material from baboons collected under the diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis. Results: Between 1986 and 2007, a mean of 3,315 baboons per year (range 2,578-3,931) were housed at the Southwest National Primate Research Center. After examination, colonic amyloidosis was detected in 6 (6.8%) of the 88 baboons with systemic amyloidosis, yielding a prevalence rate of 0.27 cases per year since 1986. Colonic amyloid deposits were found in the interstitial aspect of the lamina propria, often replacing normal mucosal crypts of Lieberkuhn. Conclusion: It was observed that only 6.8% of animals with systemic amyloidosis examined between 1986 and 2007 developed colonic amyloidosis. The apparent natural resistance to colonic amyloidosis in baboons presenting systemic amyloidosis deserves to be further investigated.