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Alpha 1-trypsin immunoreactivity in Alzheimer disease
M A Smith1, R N Kalaria, G Perry
1Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4901.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|June 15, 1993
Summary
Researchers found trypsin-like activity in the human central nervous system (CNS), linked to Alzheimer's disease plaques. This suggests altered alpha 1-trypsin regulation may play a role in Alzheimer's pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Alzheimer disease is characterized by senile plaques.
- The role of proteases in neurodegenerative diseases is an area of active research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of trypsin-like immunoreactivity in the human central nervous system (CNS).
- To explore the potential association of alpha 1-trypsin with senile plaques in Alzheimer disease.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two monoclonal antibodies specific to alpha 1-trypsin for immunohistochemical analysis.
- Performed immunoblots on homogenized human cortical tissue from both Alzheimer disease patients and control subjects.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated trypsin-like immunoreactivity associated with senile plaques in Alzheimer disease.
- Identified increased levels of the 24,000Da alpha 1-trypsin species in diseased cortical tissue compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the initial evidence of trypsin-like immunoreactivity in the human CNS.
- Altered alpha 1-trypsin protease regulation is proposed as a potential factor in senile plaque formation and Alzheimer disease pathogenesis.