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Sustained choroid plexus function in human elderly and Alzheimer's disease patients
Reynold Spector1, Conrad E Johanson
1Department of Neurosurgery, Alpert Medical School at Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA. Conrad_Johanson@Brown.edu.
Fluids and Barriers of the CNS
|September 25, 2013
Summary
Choroid plexus (CP) functions remain normal in elderly individuals and Alzheimer's patients, refuting the CP failure hypothesis. Essential transport and regulatory functions are unaffected in these populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The choroid plexus (CP) is hypothesized to fail in elderly and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.
- This putative 'CP failure' is based on observed anatomical and pathological changes.
- Essential CP functions include transport of ascorbic acid (AA) and folate, transthyretin secretion, and CSF homeostasis.
Discussion:
- This study evaluated the CP failure hypothesis by examining human data on key CP functions.
- Ascorbic acid and folate transport from blood to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were assessed.
- Transthyretin synthesis/secretion and CSF electrolyte/acid-base balance were also analyzed.
Key Insights:
- Human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) data indicate normal CP function in healthy elderly individuals.
- Alzheimer's disease patients also exhibit unimpaired CP transport and regulatory functions.
- These findings provide no support for the concept of CP failure in aging or AD.
Outlook:
- Further research may explore alternative mechanisms contributing to cognitive decline in AD.
- Understanding CP's role in maintaining CSF composition is crucial for neurological health.
- Investigating potential therapeutic targets beyond CP function in AD is warranted.
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