[Age-dependent expression of HSP90 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice]

The present study aims to observe the change in expression of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) along with amyloid-β (Aβ) and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) protein levels in the hippocampus tissue of Alzheimer's disease (AD) transgenic animal model with age. APP/PS1 transgenic mice at age of 6-, 9- and 12-month and C57BL/6J mice of the same age were used. The cognitive abilities of these animals were evaluated using a Morris water maze. Western blot or immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of HSP90 and Aβ_1-42, as well as the phosphorylation levels of Tau protein in the hippocampus. The hsp90 mRNA levels and the morphology and number of cells in the hippocampus were detected with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Nissl staining, respectively. The results showed that compared with C57BL/6J mice of the same age, HSP90 and hsp90 mRNA expression were decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), while Aβ_1-42 and p-Tau protein levels were increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in the hippocampal tissue of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Meanwhile, the decrease in HSP90 and hsp90 mRNA expression (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), the increase in Aβ_1-42 and p-Tau levels (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) in hippocampal tissue and the reduction in behavioral ability showed a progressive development with the advancing of age in the APP/PS1 transgenic mice. In conclusion, in the hippocampal tissue of APP/PS1 mice, the decrease in HSP90 expression and the increase in Aβ_1-42 and p-Tau levels together with the decline of their cognitive ability are age-dependent.