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Neural membrane phospholipids in Alzheimer disease
K Wells1, A A Farooqui, L Liss
1Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
Neurochemical Research
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Alzheimer disease (AD) brains show altered plasma membrane phospholipids, with lower ethanolamine glycerophospholipids and higher serine glycerophospholipids. These changes may contribute to neurodegeneration and signal transduction issues in AD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Phospholipids are crucial components of neural membranes, regulating fluidity and permeability.
- Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by neurodegeneration and abnormal signal transduction.
- Plasma membranes of neurons and glial cells are key structures in brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in phospholipid composition in Alzheimer disease (AD) brain plasma membranes.
- To compare phospholipid profiles between AD and age-matched control brains.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of plasma membrane fractions from synaptosomes (SPM) and glial/neuronal cell bodies (PM) from autopsied AD and control brains.
- Analysis of phospholipid levels, specifically focusing on glycerophospholipids.
Main Results:
- AD brain plasma membranes exhibited significantly lower levels of ethanolamine glycerophospholipids compared to controls.
- AD brain plasma membranes showed significantly higher levels of serine glycerophospholipids than control brains.
- No significant differences in phosphatidylcholine levels were observed between AD and control brains.
Conclusions:
- Altered phospholipid composition, particularly shifts in ethanolamine and serine glycerophospholipids, is associated with Alzheimer disease.
- These phospholipid changes in plasma membranes may play a role in the pathogenesis of AD, including abnormal signal transduction and neurodegeneration.
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