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Longitudinal In Vivo Imaging of the Cerebrovasculature: Relevance to CNS Diseases
Published on: December 6, 2016
Structural changes in Alzheimer's disease brain microvessels
Alexander Christov1, J Ottman, L Hamdheydari
1Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street Stop 9424, Lubbock, Texas 79430, USA.
Current Alzheimer Research
|August 12, 2008
Summary
Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain vessels show increased cell death and altered collagen, indicating cerebral vessel injury is part of AD pathology. These findings highlight microvascular changes in dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Brain microvascular alterations are implicated in stroke and dementia.
- Capillary structural changes in elderly individuals correlate with age and dementia severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare structural (collagen) and functional (apoptosis) parameters in brain tissues and vessels of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients versus age-matched controls using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy.
- To investigate collagen subtype alterations in AD cerebral vessels.
Main Methods:
- Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy for apoptosis and autofluorescence (collagen/protein content).
- Western blot analysis for specific collagen subtypes (Type I, III, IV).
- Comparison between AD patients and age-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher fluorescent labeling for apoptosis in AD vessels compared to controls.
- Elevated autofluorescence in AD brain and vessels, indicating higher collagen and protein levels.
- Western blot revealed increased Type I and Type III collagen, and decreased Type IV collagen in AD vessels.
Conclusions:
- Cerebral microvascular injury, characterized by altered collagen composition and increased apoptosis, is a component of Alzheimer's disease pathology.
- These findings suggest a significant role for brain vessel changes in AD pathogenesis.
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