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Olfactory deficits induce neurofilament hyperphosphorylation.
1Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of Education Committee of China, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
Neuroscience Letters
|November 19, 2011
Summary
Olfactory dysfunction is an early sign of Alzheimer disease (AD). This study suggests a link between olfactory deficits and AD-like brain changes, specifically increased phosphorylated neurofilaments in key brain regions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Olfactory dysfunction is an early indicator of Alzheimer disease (AD).
- The precise link between olfactory deficits and AD neuropathology remains unclear.
- Alzheimer disease is characterized by neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between olfactory deficits and Alzheimer disease-like pathological changes.
- To explore the neurobiological mechanisms connecting olfactory impairment to AD pathology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two distinct anosmia animal models: bilateral olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) rats and Cnga2(-/Y) mice.
- Examined the immunoreactivity of phosphorylated neurofilament (NF) in the hippocampus and cortex of these models.
Main Results:
- Observed significantly increased immunoreactivity of phosphorylated neurofilament (NF) in neurites within the hippocampus and cortex of anosmic models.
- Phosphorylated neurofilament is a key component of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) found in Alzheimer disease.
Conclusions:
- The study provides strong evidence for an underlying correlation between olfactory deficits and AD-like pathological impairments.
- Olfactory dysfunction may precede or be associated with the development of AD-related neuropathology.
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