Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Assessment of Blood-brain Barrier Permeability by Intravenous Infusion of FITC-labeled Albumin in a Mouse Model of Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: November 8, 2017
[Investigation of changes in fluidity of brain membranes in mice bearing experimental Alzheimer's disease using spin
Abstract:
Changes in fluidity of membranes isolated from the microsomal and crude synaptosomal fractions which were obtained from forebrain tissue of mice bearing experimental Alzheimer's disease induced with olfactory bulbectomy were studied. Membrane microviscosity was measured by electron paramagnetic resonance with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-capryloyl-oxypiperidine-1-oxyl and 5,6-benzo-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-gamma-carboline-3-oxyl as spin labeling. Phasic alterations in relative fluidity were found during the development of experimental Alzheimer's disease pathology. These changes correlate with the stages of "clinical" features. Main abnormalities were related to structural changes in near-protein region of the lipid bilayer.
Insights
This study reveals that experimental Alzheimer's disease in mice alters membrane fluidity, particularly in the near-protein lipid bilayer region. These changes correlate with the progression of disease symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Membrane Biophysics
Context:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline.
- Experimental models are crucial for understanding AD pathogenesis.
- Olfactory bulbectomy in mice provides a model for studying AD-like changes.
Purpose:
- To investigate alterations in membrane fluidity in experimental Alzheimer's disease.
- To correlate these biophysical changes with disease progression and clinical features.
- To identify specific regions within the lipid bilayer affected by the disease.
Summary:
- Membranes from the forebrain of mice with experimental Alzheimer's disease (induced by olfactory bulbectomy) were analyzed.
- Membrane microviscosity was measured using electron paramagnetic resonance with specific spin labels.
- Significant changes in membrane fluidity, particularly in the near-protein region of the lipid bilayer, were observed.
- These fluidity alterations were found to correlate with the stages of observed "clinical" features in the experimental model.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the biophysical basis of Alzheimer's disease pathology at the membrane level.
- Highlights the importance of membrane structural integrity in neurodegeneration.
- Suggests potential therapeutic targets related to membrane stabilization in Alzheimer's disease.
