Association of cholinesterases with amyloid in extracellular neurofibrillary tangles

Double-labeling techniques conclusively demonstrated that extracellular neurofibrillary tangles immunoreactive for beta protein were also positive for cholinesterases. Ultrastructurally, cholinesterases decorated bundles of amyloid-like filaments, which appeared intermingled with straight filaments and cellular processes. A lighter labeling of esterases was also seen over most straight filaments. These observations extend the consistent association of cholinesterases with fibrillary beta-amyloid protein to a new location in neurofibrillary tangles.