Alzheimer disease amyloid proteins inhibit brain endothelial cell proliferation in vitro

Despite the close morphological association of beta-amyloid and vascular cells, the functional effects of amyloid in cerebral endothelial cells in Alzheimer's disease have not been assessed. In this study, effects of amyloid fractions purified from senile plaques of AD brains were compared to synthetic amyloid peptides for their ability to affect brain endothelial cells in vitro. Our results indicate that plaque-derived amyloid inhibit brain endothelial cell proliferation in vitro by 40%. This inhibition was specific for plaque-derived amyloid, was not evoked by synthetic A beta 1-40, and was not mediated by alterations in intracellular calcium levels. Amyloid fractions from AD brains, although not directly toxic to brain endothelial cells, inhibit endothelial replication in vitro and therefore could alter the ability of vessels to repair and regenerate after injury.