Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Visualization of Amyloid β Deposits in the Human Brain with Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 7, 2019
Brain deposition of beta-amyloid is a common pathologic feature in HIV positive patients
Douglas A Green1, Eliezer Masliah, Harry V Vinters
1Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Background:
We planned to analyze the prevalence and distribution of beta-amyloid deposition in the HIV+ brain in the HAART era. Our working hypothesis is that long term survival, aging and the secondary effects of HAART may contribute to increased beta-amyloid accumulation in this patient population.
Methods:
Paraffin embedded archival brain autopsy tissues were assessed by immunocytochemistry for beta-amyloid. Detailed in-vivo neuro-behavioral assessments and ApoE genotyping were available for a subset of the studied population.
Results:
Immunoreactivity with the antibodies 4G8 and 6E10 was found predominantly in neuronal soma and dystrophic axonal processes. Extracellular, often perivascular plaques were also identified in many cases.
Conclusions:
We propose that prolonged HAART and aging may contribute to an overall increase in amyloid deposition, potentially mediated by inhibition of insulin degradation enzyme (IDE) or disruption of the axonal transport of the amyloid precursor protein.
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Dementia l: Introduction
