Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
06:49
A High Output Method to Isolate Cerebral Pericytes from Mouse
Published on: January 14, 2020
9.1K
Amylin alters human brain pericyte viability and NG2 expression
Nina Schultz1, Elin Byman1, Malin Fex2
11 Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
Summary
Amylin deposits in brain pericytes may contribute to dementia. These cells showed signs of death and reduced function when exposed to amylin, suggesting a role in microvascular pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Amylin, a hormone from pancreatic beta-cells, forms inclusions in brain microvessels of patients with dementia, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
- The specific cells and consequences of these amylin inclusions in the brain remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the cellular localization of amylin inclusions in the brain.
- To investigate the impact of amylin on pericyte viability and function.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining of human hippocampus and parahippocampal cortex.
- In vitro studies exposing pericytes to fibril and oligomer amylin.
Main Results:
- Amylin inclusions were identified in pericytes.
- Amylin-containing pericytes exhibited nuclear changes indicative of cell death and reduced neuron-glial antigen 2 expression.
- In vitro, amylin exposure increased pericyte death, caspase 3/7 activity, and impaired autophagy.
Conclusions:
- Aggregated amylin affects brain vasculature by damaging pericytes.
- Amylin is a potential factor in the microvascular pathology associated with dementia progression.
