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Microglial cells and amyloid beta protein (A beta) deposition; association with A beta 40-containing plaques
D M Mann1, T Iwatsubo, H Fukumoto
1Department of Pathological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
Two distinct species of amyloid beta protein (A beta) with different carboxyl termini, A beta 40 and A beta 42(43), are deposited in plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome. The relationship between these two forms of A beta and microglial cells was investigated in 16 subjects with Down's syndrome ranging in age from 31 to 64 years. The amount of A beta 40 in plaques was low in persons under 50 years of age, even though high amounts of A beta 42(43) were present. Microglia were observed most commonly in plaques containing both A beta 40 and A beta 42(43) but less commonly in those with A beta 42(43) alone. The presence of microglial cells in plaques may be associated with the accumulation of A beta 40 and these cells may have a role in the production or processing of this particular molecular species.
Insights
Microglia are found in amyloid plaques containing both amyloid beta 40 and 42 in Down syndrome brains. These cells may play a role in amyloid beta 40 accumulation and processing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome are characterized by amyloid beta (A beta) protein deposition in brain plaques.
- Two main forms, A beta 40 and A beta 42(43), differ in their carboxyl termini and deposition patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between amyloid beta 40, amyloid beta 42(43), and microglial cells in Down's syndrome.
- To understand the potential role of microglia in the accumulation and processing of specific amyloid beta species.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of brain tissue from 16 individuals with Down's syndrome (ages 31-64).
- Quantification of amyloid beta 40 and amyloid beta 42(43) in plaques.
- Assessment of microglial cell presence within amyloid plaques.
Main Results:
- Amyloid beta 40 levels were low in individuals under 50, despite high amyloid beta 42(43) levels.
- Microglia were most prevalent in plaques containing both A beta 40 and A beta 42(43).
- Plaques with only A beta 42(43) showed less microglial presence.
Conclusions:
- Microglial cell presence in plaques correlates with the co-deposition of A beta 40 and A beta 42(43).
- Microglia may be involved in the accumulation or processing of amyloid beta 40 in Down's syndrome brains.