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Evidence for cholinergic neurites in senile plaques
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 21, 1984
Summary
In aged macaques, abnormal cholinergic axons were found in the brain, some associated with amyloid deposits. These findings suggest cholinergic systems contribute to neurites within senile plaques.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Cholinergic systems play vital roles in cognitive functions.
- Senile plaques are a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the state of cholinergic axons in the neocortex and amygdala of young and aged macaques.
- To determine if cholinergic processes are associated with amyloid deposits in the aging brain.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody to choline acetyltransferase to identify cholinergic axons.
- Thioflavin T fluorescence to visualize amyloid deposits.
- Conventional silver impregnation techniques to compare with senile plaque morphology.
Main Results:
- Cholinergic axons were identified in the neocortices and amygdalae of both young and aged macaques.
- Aged macaques exhibited multifocal enlargements in some cholinergic axons.
- Amyloid-associated abnormal cholinergic processes were observed, resembling neurites in senile plaques.
Conclusions:
- Cholinergic systems contribute to the formation of some neurites found within senile plaques.
- Age-related changes in cholinergic axons may be linked to neuropathological hallmarks of aging.