Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
10:02
Assessment of Spontaneous Alternation, Novel Object Recognition and Limb Clasping in Transgenic Mouse Models of Amyloid-β and Tau Neuropathology
Published on: May 28, 2017
Novel therapy for Alzheimer's disease
1Institute for BioScience, Grafton, MA 01519.
Neurobiology of Aging
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Brain immune cells called microglia and macrophages may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) by producing oxidants. This process could help in the buildup of amyloid plaques, suggesting potential therapies targeting these pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid plaque deposition.
- The Kunitz protease inhibitor (KPI) domain of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) is implicated in AD pathogenesis.
- Microglia and macrophages are key immune cells in the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of brain immune cells (microglia/macrophages) in Alzheimer's disease.
- To explore the mechanism by which oxidants produced by these cells affect APP processing.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for AD amyloidosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of oxidant production by microglia and/or macrophages.
- Investigation of the effect of oxidants on the Kunitz protease inhibitor (KPI) domain of APP.
- Assessment of amyloid filament deposition in relation to these cellular processes.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests microglia and/or macrophages produce oxidants.
- These oxidants may inactivate the KPI domain of APP locally.
- This inactivation appears to facilitate the deposition of abnormal amyloid filaments in Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusions:
- Microglia and/or macrophages contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis via oxidant production.
- Therapeutic strategies involving protease inhibitors or free radical scavengers may be beneficial for AD amyloidosis.
More Related Videos
08:27Establishment of a Valuable Mimic of Alzheimer's Disease in Rat Animal Model by Intracerebroventricular Injection of Composited Amyloid Beta Protein
Published on: July 29, 2018
04:22Biomarker Identification for Gender Specificity of Alzheimer's Disease Based on the Glial Transcriptome Profiles
Published on: May 20, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
01:28Drug Therapy
The advent of drug therapy has profoundly shaped modern mental health care, providing targeted treatments for a range of psychological disorders. Psychotherapeutic drugs, classified into antianxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications, address symptoms across anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. While these medications have transformed patient outcomes, they require careful management due to their potential side effects and limitations.
Antianxiety Medications
Antianxiety Medications
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
01:23Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...