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Low Dose Brain Irradiation Reduces Amyloid-β and Tau in 3xTg-AD Mice
George D Wilson1, Thomas G Wilson1, Alaa Hanna1
1Radiation Oncology Department, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, USA.
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|April 14, 2020
Summary
Low-dose radiation therapy significantly reduced amyloid-beta plaques and tau pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest radiation may be a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and tau tangles.
- Previous studies indicated low-dose irradiation may reduce Aβ and improve cognition in certain AD mouse models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of low-dose external beam ionizing irradiation on Aβ plaques and tau pathology in the 3xTg-AD mouse model.
- To assess the correlation between Aβ plaque burden and tau staining after irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Age-matched 3xTg-AD mice were hemibrain-irradiated with 5 fractions of 2 Gy.
- Mice were sacrificed 8 weeks post-treatment.
- Aβ and tau were quantified using immunohistochemistry and Definiens Tissue Studio image analysis.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in Aβ plaque burden was observed in irradiated hemibrains.
- A significant reduction in tau staining was also noted.
- Aβ plaque burden and tau staining were significantly correlated.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose irradiation effectively reduced both Aβ plaques and tau pathology in the 3xTg-AD mouse model.
- These preliminary findings support the potential therapeutic benefit of low-dose radiation for Alzheimer's disease.
- Further research is warranted to explore radiation as a treatment for AD.
