Beta amyloid-induced depression of hippocampal long-term potentiation is mediated through the amylin receptor

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by accumulation of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) in the brain regions that subserve memory and cognition. The amylin receptor is a potential target receptor for expression of the deleterious actions of soluble oligomeric Aβ species. We investigated whether the amylin receptor antagonist, AC253, neutralizes the depressant effects of Aβ(1-42) and human amylin on hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). Furthermore, we examined whether depressed levels of LTP observed in transgenic mice, which overexpress amyloid precursor protein (TgCRND8), could be restored with AC253. In mouse hippocampal brain slices, field EPSPs were recorded from the stratum radiatum layer of the CA1 area (cornu ammonis 1 region of the hippocampus) in response to electrical stimulation of Schaeffer collateral afferents. LTP was induced by 3-theta burst stimulation protocols. Aβ(1-42) (50 nM) and human amylin (50 nM), but not Aβ(42-1) (50 nM), depressed LTP evoked using both stimulation protocols. Preapplication of AC253 (250 nM) blocked Aβ- and human amylin-induced reduction of LTP without affecting baseline transmission or LTP on its own. In contrast to wild-type controls, where robust LTP is observed, 6- to 12-month-old TgCRND8 mice show blunted LTP that is significantly enhanced by application of AC253. Our data demonstrate that the effects of Aβ(1-42) and human amylin on LTP are expressed via the amylin receptor, and moreover, blockade of this receptor increases LTP in transgenic mice that show increased brain amyloid burden. Amylin receptor antagonists could serve as potentially useful therapeutic agents in AD.