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Regional brain trace-element studies in Alzheimer's disease
C M Thompson1, W R Markesbery, W D Ehmann
1Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40506.
Neurotoxicology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Alzheimer's disease brains show significant trace-element imbalances, particularly elevated mercury in the nucleus basalis of Meynert. These findings suggest potential membrane abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by complex neuropathological changes.
- Previous studies indicated trace-element imbalances in AD cerebral cortex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate trace-element concentrations in specific AD brain regions: amygdala, hippocampus, and nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM).
- To compare these levels with age-matched controls and previously reported cortical data.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive simultaneous multi-element determination using advanced analytical techniques.
- Analysis of post-mortem brain tissue samples from AD patients and controls.
Main Results:
- Confirmed known trace-element imbalances (Cs, Hg, N, Na, P, Rb) in AD brain regions.
- Identified novel imbalances for Fe, K, Sc, Zn, Co, and Se in specific regions.
- Observed the largest imbalance for mercury (Hg) in the AD nbM compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Trace-element profiles in the amygdala, hippocampus, and nbM are consistent with AD pathology.
- Elevated mercury in the nbM is a significant finding in AD brain.
- Persistent imbalances in univalent cations (Na, K, Rb, Cs) support the hypothesis of a membrane abnormality in AD.