101
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Kalaria RN, Grahovac I. Serum amyloid P immunoreactivity in hippocampal tangles, plaques and vessels: implications for leakage across the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease. Brain Res 1990; 516:349-53. [PMID: 2364299 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(90)90941-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Serum amyloid P (SAP) has been shown to be consistently present in all types of amyloid deposits except cerebral lesions of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques. We used immunohistochemical methods to demonstrate SAP reactivity in both tangles and plaques, as well as vessels, in lightly fixed frozen tissue sections of hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus from subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and normal controls. As confirmed by thioflavin S staining, heavy deposition of immunoperoxidase reaction product was evident in Sommer's sector (CA1), the subiculum and entorhinal cortex with both the antisera to SAP used. Serial sections immunostained with antiserum to amyloid A or preimmune rabbit serum showed no evidence for staining in plaques or tangles. These observations provide evidence for extravasation of the protein across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in disease although expression of it by cellular elements within or entering the brain through the BBB cannot be ruled out. Our results also implicate the use of lightly fixed tissue for localization of some antigens by immunohistochemistry in postmortem human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Kalaria
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
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102
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Cavanaugh KP, Gurwitz D, Cunningham DD, Bradshaw RA. Reciprocal modulation of astrocyte stellation by thrombin and protease nexin-1. J Neurochem 1990; 54:1735-43. [PMID: 1691280 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1990.tb01228.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
When cultured astroglia are treated with agents that elevate intracellular cyclic AMP, they become process-bearing stellate cells and resemble differentiated astrocytes in vivo. Thrombin rapidly reversed the stellation induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP, forskolin, or isoproterenol in cultured rat astrocytes; half-maximal and maximal effects occurred at 0.5 and 8 pM, respectively. The proteolytic activity of thrombin was required for stellation reversal, as thrombin derivatized at its catalytic site serine with a diisopropylphospho group was inactive. Two thrombin inhibitors, protease nexin-1 and hirudin, blocked and reversed the effect of thrombin. The stellation reversal effect of thrombin was specific, as 300-1,000-fold higher concentrations of other serine proteinases, including plasmin, urokinase, trypsin, and T cell serine proteinase-1, were ineffective. Thrombin is a mitogen for astrocytes at concentrations in excess of 30 pM. Thrombin increased both cell number and ornithine decarboxylase activity, an early marker for mitogenic stimulation, in astrocyte cultures. The lowest thrombin concentrations that completely reversed astrocyte stellation, however, did not increase ornithine decarboxylase activity. Moreover, several other mitogens for astrocytes did not reverse dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced stellation. Thus, the stellation reversal effect of thrombin is distinct from the mitogenic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Cavanaugh
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine 92717
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103
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Perlmutter LS, Chui HC. Microangiopathy, the vascular basement membrane and Alzheimer's disease: a review. Brain Res Bull 1990; 24:677-86. [PMID: 2192775 DOI: 10.1016/0361-9230(90)90007-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The present review focuses on the vascular basement membrane (VBM) and its relationship to the lesions of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Examination of the fine structure of the microvasculature reveals AD-associated VBM alterations, which include both thickening and vacuolization. Immunocytochemistry confirms that all three intrinsic VBM components [collagen type IV, laminin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG)] outline the capillary bed, which is pathologically altered in AD patients (microangiopathy). Ultrastructural analyses of AD tissue samples demonstrate that HSPG's normal staining pattern is disrupted on the endothelial surface of the VBM in brain regions affected by Alzheimer lesions. Similarly altered VBM is reported to occur in the kidney of patients with diabetes mellitus, where it is associated with a leakage of protein. All three VBM components immunolabel capillaries, amyloid and plaque-associated glial processes, suggesting a link between microangiopathy and senile plaque formation. In addition, the consistent colocalization of HSPG with several forms of amyloid implies an involvement in amyloidogenesis. Finally, the neurotrophic effects of beta-amyloid, combined with neurite-promoting effects of laminin and HSPG, could create a strong focus for an aberrant sprouting response. Such a response is postulated to result in plaque-associated degenerating neurites. Thus, VBM components could serve as a nidus for plaque formation, playing a role in the development of neuritic as well as amyloidotic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Perlmutter
- University of Southern California School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Los Angeles 90033
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104
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Blennow K, Wallin A, Fredman P, Karlsson I, Gottfries CG, Svennerholm L. Blood-brain barrier disturbance in patients with Alzheimer's disease is related to vascular factors. Acta Neurol Scand 1990; 81:323-6. [PMID: 2360400 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1990.tb01563.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the blood-brain barrier (BBB function), serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 118 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 50 healthy controls was analyzed with regard to albumin concentrations. For the AD group, clinical vascular factors were also recorded. The CSF/serum albumin ratio was used as a measure of BBB function. When compared with controls, the AD group showed a higher mean albumin ratio, indicating a decline in BBB function. However, no significant reduction in BBB function was found in AD patients without vascular factors. These findings support the hypothesis that BBB disturbance is related to vascular factors, coexisting with AD. In the control group, no significant correlation between age and albumin ratio was found, which suggests that aging per se is not primarily associated with a decline in BBB function. The present study provides evidence in favour of the conclusion that a reduced BBB function is related neither to AD nor to aging, but to clinical vascular factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Sweden
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105
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Glick JL. Dementias: the role of magnesium deficiency and an hypothesis concerning the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Med Hypotheses 1990; 31:211-25. [PMID: 2092675 DOI: 10.1016/0306-9877(90)90095-v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Evidence is presented indicating that dementias are associated with a relative insufficiency of Magnesium (Mg) in the brain. Such insufficiency may be attributable to low intake or retention of Mg; high intake of a neurotoxic metal, such as aluminum (Al), which inhibits activity of Mg-requiring enzymes; or impaired transport of Mg and/or enhanced transport of the neurotoxic metal into brain tissue. It is proposed that Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves a defective transport process, characterized by both an abnormally high incorporation of Al and an abnormally low incorporation of Mg into brain neurons. The hypothesis is advanced that an altered serum protein contributes to the progression of AD by having a greater affinity for Al than for Mg, in contrast to the normal protein, which binds Mg better than Al. The altered protein crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently than the normal protein and competes with the normal protein in binding to brain neurons. Binding of the altered protein to the target neurons would both facilitate Al uptake and impede Mg uptake. Evidence suggests that albumin is the serum protein that is altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Glick
- Bionix Corporation, Potomac, Maryland 20854
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106
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Abstract
Neurotoxic properties of quinolinic acid following intracerebroventricular application were investigated in the hippocampal formation of 12- and 30-day-old rats. Quinolinic acid neurodegenerative potency was found to depend on the survival time, the dose applied and the developmental stage of the animal. Pretreatment with kynurenic acid and ketamine as well as the transection of the perforant path were noted to protect major parts of the hippocampal cell layers from quinolinic acid-induced degenerative effects. The results are interpreted in view of a putative dependence of quinolinic acid neurotoxicity on the presence of established synaptic, in particular glutamatergic, processes which play a major role in the hippocampal formation and mature during the first postnatal weeks. For comparison, we studied local effects of quinolinic acid on superior cervical and dorsal root ganglia in which glutamate inputs obviously do not occur; no signs of neuronal vulnerability were seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Keilhoff
- Institute of Biology, Medical Academy of Magdeburg, G.D.R
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107
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Vorbrodt AW, Dobrogowska DH, Lossinsky AS, Wisniewski HM. Changes in the distribution of anionic sites in brain micro-blood vessels with and without amyloid deposits in scrapie-infected mice. Acta Neuropathol 1990; 79:355-63. [PMID: 2339589 DOI: 10.1007/bf00308711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cationic colloidal gold (CCG) and scrapie-infected mouse brain samples embedded in Lowicryl K4M were used for ultrastructural localization of negatively charged microdomains (anionic sites) in the cerebral microvasculature. The distribution of anionic sites on both fronts (luminal and abluminal) of endothelial cells and in the basement membrane (BM) in the majority of micro-blood vessels (MBVs) located outside the plaque area and in the remaining cerebral cortex was similar to that which has been previously observed in non-infected animals. Some MBVs (especially capillaries), however, located inside the plaque areas and surrounded directly by amyloid fibers contained attenuated endothelium, the luminal surface of which showed a segmental lack or diminution of anionic sites. In these vessels the BM was frequently infiltrated and replaced by the amyloid fibers. In some vessels located mainly in the areas of the neuropil vacuolization deposits of homogenous material causing the thickening of the BM were noted. These changes were accompanied by irregular labeling of the BM with gold particles. At the sites of bifurcation of some MBVs, predominantly in the area of the venular estuary at the mouth of capillary (at capillary-venular connections), a discontinuity in the distribution of anionic sites was noted. The observed disturbances in the distribution of anionic sites can be associated with a previously noted increased permeability of some MBVs in the brains of scrapie-infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Vorbrodt
- New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island 10314
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108
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Brayne C, Calloway P. Serum creatine kinase BB isoenzyme levels in an epidemiological study of dementia and cognitive impairment. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1990; 81:6-8. [PMID: 2330830 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1990.tb06440.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that serum creatine kinase levels might be useful in the investigation of dementia. In this study serum creatine kinase BB (CKBB) isoenzyme levels were investigated in a community population of elderly women aged 70 to 80 years. Normative data for this group were compared with the findings in younger age groups. No relationship was found between levels of CKBB and level of dementia, or with the specific clinical diagnosis of senile dementia of the Alzheimer type, although a weakly positive relationship was found between CKBB and 3 cognitive scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Brayne
- Department of Community Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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109
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110
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Bradford HF, Foley P, Docherty M, Fillit H, Luine VN, McEwen B, Bucht G, Winbald B, Hardy J. Antibodies in serum of patients with Alzheimer's disease cause immunolysis of cholinergic nerve terminals from the rat cerebral cortex. Can J Neurol Sci 1989; 16:528-34. [PMID: 2804815 DOI: 10.1017/s0317167100029875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A blind study showing that serum from patients with Alzheimer's disease causes immunolysis of mammalian brain synaptosomes is reported. Control, aged-matched, sera were largely without effect. The immunolysis was directed mainly against cholinergic synaptosomes. The data support the hypothesis that autoimmune mechanisms may operate in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H F Bradford
- Department of Biochemistry, Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, UK
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111
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Wagner SL, Geddes JW, Cotman CW, Lau AL, Gurwitz D, Isackson PJ, Cunningham DD. Protease nexin-1, an antithrombin with neurite outgrowth activity, is reduced in Alzheimer disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1989; 86:8284-8. [PMID: 2813392 PMCID: PMC298265 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.86.21.8284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Protease nexin-1 (PN-1) is a cell-secreted protein that inhibits certain proteases, particularly thrombin, by forming SDS-stable complexes with the catalytic site serine of the protease. PN-1 was recently shown to be identical to a glial-derived neurite-promoting factor/glial-derived nexin present in rat brain. Its neurite outgrowth activity depends on inhibition of thrombin, presumably because thrombin brings about neurite retraction. Here we show that human brain contains PN-1 and that PN-1 activity in brains of individuals with Alzheimer disease (AD) was only 14% of control values (total of 14 AD patients and 7 control individuals). PN-1 activity in the hippocampus, a region with marked neuropathology in AD, was 15% of control values (10 AD patients and 4 control individuals). Western blot analysis indicated a large decrease in free PN-1 protein and an increase in PN-1-containing complexes that comigrated with PN-1-thrombin complexes. Northern blot analysis indicated that PN-1 mRNA levels were about equal in brains from AD patients and control individuals. Thus these results suggest that the decreases in PN-1 activity and free PN-1 protein are due to formation of PN-1-protease complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Wagner
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine 92717
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112
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Orlova ML. Angioarchitectonics of the cerebral cortex and the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease. NEUROSCIENCE AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY 1989; 19:498-503. [PMID: 2615965 DOI: 10.1007/bf01181866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M L Orlova
- Laboratory of Clinical Neuromorphology, Research Institute of Clinical Psychiatry, All-Union Mental Health Research Center, Academy of Medical Sciences, USSR, Moscow
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113
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Abstract
Excitatory amino acids (EAA) such as glutamate and aspartate are major transmitters of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and EAA mechanisms appear to play a role in learning and memory. Anatomical and biochemical evidence suggests that there is both pre- and postsynaptic disruption of EAA pathways in Alzheimer's disease. Dysfunction of EAA pathways could play a role in the clinical manifestations of Alzheimer's disease, such as memory loss and signs of cortical disconnection. Furthermore, EAA might be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, by virtue of their neurotoxic (excitotoxic) properties. Circumstantial evidence raises the possibility that the EAA system may partially determine the distribution of pathology in Alzheimer's disease and may be important in producing the neurofibrillary tangles, RNA reductions and dendritic changes which characterize this devastating disorder. In this article, we will review the evidence suggesting a role for EAA in the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Greenamyre
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48104-1687
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114
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Pappolla MA, Omar R, Saran B, Andorn A, Suarez M, Pavia C, Weinstein A, Shank D, Davis K, Burgdorfer W. Concurrent neuroborreliosis and Alzheimer's disease: analysis of the evidence. Hum Pathol 1989; 20:753-7. [PMID: 2744748 DOI: 10.1016/0046-8177(89)90068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Several recent reports have claimed a possible association between Borrelia burgdorferi infection and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Herein, we describe our search for additional evidence of neuroborreliosis in AD. Brain tissue from neuropathologically confirmed cases of AD was cultured for B burgdorferi using standard microbiologic methods. Material derived from culture was further examined using electron microscopy, direct immunofluorescence and acridine orange fluorescence. Previous studies have shown high titers of antiborrelia antibodies in CSF in all cases of confirmed neuroborreliosis; therefore, we tested CSF from neuropathologically confirmed cases of AD by indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunoassay. In addition, imprint preparations from AD and control brain tissues were studied by direct immunofluorescence using a monoclonal antiborrelia antibody. Finally, a Western blot method was used to analyze protein extracts from cultures and AD brain tissue for the presence of borrelia antigen. Contrary to previous studies, our results do not support an association between infection with B burgdorferi and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Pappolla
- Department of Pathology, Montrose VA Hospital 10548
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115
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Banks WA, Kastin AJ. Aluminum-induced neurotoxicity: alterations in membrane function at the blood-brain barrier. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 1989; 13:47-53. [PMID: 2671833 DOI: 10.1016/s0149-7634(89)80051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Aluminum is established as a neurotoxin, although the basis for its toxicity is unknown. It recently has been shown to alter the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which regulates exchanges between the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral circulation. The BBB owes its unique properties to the integrity of the cell membranes that comprise it. Aluminum affects some of the membrane-like functions of the BBB. It increases the rate of transmembrane diffusion and selectively changes saturable transport systems without disrupting the integrity of the membranes or altering CNS hemodynamics. Such alterations in the access to the brain of nutrients, hormones, toxins, and drugs could be the basis of CNS dysfunction. Aluminum is capable of altering membrane function at the BBB; many of its effects on the CNS as well as peripheral tissues can be explained by its actions as a membrane toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Banks
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, New Orleans, LA
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116
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Abstract
In this paper, it is argued that the earliest morphological changes of Alzheimer's disease involve the formation of the senile plaque. Key molecular events in this process implicate a deposition of amyloid (A4) protein and an accumulation of an oligosaccharide. These 'preplaques' do not contain neurites, and may first appear in the hippocampus and amygdala, but later involving all association areas of cortex. They may be caused by a capillary defect leading to an altered blood-brain barrier function. The amyloid protein later increases, becomes arranged in a beta-pleated manner recognizable by thioflavin and at this stage plaques also usually contain paired helical filaments within neurites. Similar filaments also form the neurofibrillary tangles of affected perikarya, appearing initially within the large neurones of the entorhinal cortex, but later affecting neurones widely throughout the hippocampus, amygdala, cortex and subcortex. Tangle accumulation leads to impairment of neurone function, development of clinical dementia and ultimately, cell death. Progression of this process leads to extensive cortical plaque and also of those anatomically projecting to the affected cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Mann
- Department of Pathology, University of Manchester, Great Britain
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117
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Liu HM, Atack JR, Rapoport SI. Immunohistochemical localization of intracellular plasma proteins in the human central nervous system. Acta Neuropathol 1989; 78:16-21. [PMID: 2735186 DOI: 10.1007/bf00687397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The regional distribution of plasma protein immunoreactivity was studied in the postmortem central nervous system (CNS) of normal subjects 18 to 78 years old. Samples taken from various areas of brain and spinal cord were processed for peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemistry using polyclonal antibodies against plasma albumin, prealbumin, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, alpha 2-macroglobulin, IgG, transferrin, haptoglobin, hemopexin, fibrinogen, as well against the glial fibrillary acidic and S-100 proteins. Many neurons of the spinal cord, cranial nerve nuclei, pontine nuclei, cerebellar dentate nucleus, red nucleus, thalamus and hypothalamus showed strong immunostaining for albumin and moderate to strong staining for alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, IgG, transferrin, haptoglobin, as well as relatively weak immunoreactivity against other plasma proteins. Less intense staining was seen in the nucleus basalis, putamen and Purkinje cells. In contrast, most cerebral cortical neurons were negative except for a few positively stained pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus and in layers III and V of the association neocortex, although more positive pyramidal neurons were observed in the motor and sensory neocortices. Reaction products were also seen in axons of motor and sensory long tracts. These findings suggest that plasma proteins may be transported to spinal cord and brain stem neurons by peripherally projecting nerves and that a series of anterograde and retrograde transneuronal transfers are responsible for the accumulation of plasma proteins in relay nuclei and in other CNS neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Liu
- Department of Pathology, Brown University, Providence, RI
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118
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Erkinjuntti T, Sulkava R, Palo J, Ketonen L. White matter low attenuation on CT in Alzheimer's disease. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1989; 8:95-104. [PMID: 2653256 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4943(89)90074-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/1987] [Revised: 08/01/1988] [Accepted: 08/01/1988] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
White matter low attenuation (WMLA) was seen on CT in 19.7% of 61 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease. Presence of WMLA was associated with higher age, more severe degree of dementia, and increased CSF/serum albumin ratio, but not with cardiovascular disorders. WMLA on CT might be related to minor vascular events, or Alzheimer patients with WMLA could even constitute their own subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Erkinjuntti
- Department of Neurology, University of Helsinki, Finland
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119
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Koranyi EK. The cortical dementias. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 1988; 33:838-45. [PMID: 3063380 DOI: 10.1177/070674378803300911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A striking accumulation of new technologies and recent diverse research developments open new insight into the nature of primary dementias. The gene of the familial form of Alzheimer's disease was located in the chromosome 21. By further study of the amyloid protein precursor gene, laboratory diagnosis and eventual treatment of Alzheimer's disease may become a reality. This paper reviews and adds perspective to old and new data on the cortical dementias: Alzheimer's disease and Pick's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Koranyi
- Neuropsychiatric Unit, Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ontario
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120
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Foley P, Bradford HF, Docherty M, Fillit H, Luine VN, McEwen B, Bucht G, Winblad B, Hardy J. Evidence for the presence of antibodies to cholinergic neurons in the serum of patients with Alzheimer's disease. J Neurol 1988; 235:466-71. [PMID: 3210051 DOI: 10.1007/bf00314249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A blind study showing that serum from patients with Alzheimer's disease causes immunolysis of mammalian brain synaptosomes is reported. Control, aged-matched, sera were largely without effect. The immunolysis was directed mainly against cholinergic synaptosomes. The data presented support the hypothesis that autoimmune mechanisms may operate in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Foley
- Department of Biochemistry, Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, UK
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121
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Affiliation(s)
- W H Moos
- Department of Chemistry, Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division, Warner-Lambert Co., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
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122
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Rozemuller JM, Eikelenboom P, Kamphorst W, Stam FC. Lack of evidence for dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease: an immunohistochemical study. Neurobiol Aging 1988; 9:383-91. [PMID: 3185857 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-4580(88)80085-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
With immunohistoperoxidase techniques the presence of plasma (serum) proteins was investigated in senile plaques, congophilic angiopathy, neurons and glial cells in brains of patients with Alzheimer's dementia. Other investigators have found plasma proteins in brain parenchyma and suggested that blood-brain barrier dysfunction might be a primary factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's dementia. These studies were performed on formol-fixed brains of patients with Alzheimer's dementia. In the present study we investigated both frozen and formol-fixed brain tissues. The influence of post-mortem delay, prolonged formol fixation and differences in clinical course on detection of plasma proteins by immunocytochemical techniques was also studied. Findings in cases with Alzheimer's dementia were compared with findings in nondemented controls with or without neurological disorders. Plasma proteins could not be demonstrated in the neuropil of a number of patients with Alzheimer's dementia. Moreover, plasma proteins were also found in neuronal cells and astrocytes in brains of nondemented controls. We discussed whether or not cytochemical detection of plasma proteins in the neuropil of post-mortem obtained brains is a reliable technique to investigate blood-brain barrier dysfunction. In our opinion there are, at the moment, no convincing arguments for blood-brain barrier dysfunction in Alzheimer's dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Rozemuller
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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123
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Abstract
Amyloid-containing plaques are a characteristic feature of the Alzheimer's disease brain and have been the object of study for decades. Only recently, however, have molecular and genetic techniques been applied to examination of amyloid in order to understand the factors that contribute to the accumulation of plaques in dementia. Current investigations have focused on the structure and properties of the amyloid protein, its corresponding messenger RNA, its cellular site of production, and its chromosomal site of origin. These data are discussed in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Majocha
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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124
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Sajdel-Sulkowska EM, Majocha RE, Salim M, Zain SB, Marotta CA. The postmortem Alzheimer brain is a source of structurally and functionally intact astrocytic messenger RNA. J Neurosci Methods 1988; 23:173-9. [PMID: 3357357 DOI: 10.1016/0165-0270(88)90189-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the precise role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is currently undefined, studies carried out at the molecular level may lead to new insights into the functioning of this class of brain cells in dementia. In order to facilitate such investigations, methods are described that establish that structurally and functionally intact messenger RNA (mRNA) for an astrocytic marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), is present in the postmortem Alzheimer's disease brain after long postmortem intervals. Rapid preparative procedures were used to obtain poly(A)+ RNA from postmortem control and AD cortices. In vitro protein synthesis was carried out in a reticulocyte system. Relative to controls, AD mRNA synthesized a two-fold higher level of a 50,000 mol.wt. protein that was immunologically identified as GFAP. High levels of GFAP synthesis by purified mRNA from AD cortices was independent of age at death and postmortem interval up to 24 h. Northern blot hybridization using a cloned human GFAP riboprobe was used to evaluate postmortem GFAP mRNA stability. No appreciable degradation products of GFAP mRNA were observed on Northern blots for at least 10 h postmortem in poly(A)+ RNA extracted from the AD brain. The described methodology demonstrates that the postmortem AD brain is an excellent source of functionally and structurally intact astrocyte-specific mRNA.
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125
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Fillit H, Foley P, Bradford HF, Bucht G, Winblad B, McEwen B, Luine V, Hardy J. Autoimmunity to cholinergic-specific antigens of the brain in senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Drug Dev Res 1988. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.430150207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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126
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Abstract
Aging is commonly associated with progressive deterioration in central nervous system (CNS) function. Nutritional factors or environmental toxins have important effects on CNS degenerative changes. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major modulator of nutrient delivery to the CNS. The tight junctions and the paucity of pinocytosis or fenestrations in brain capillary endothelium act as an effective barrier between the CNS and the circulating toxic agents. Senescence is associated with significant, though often subtle, changes in BBB. Conditions which are commonly associated with aging, such as hypertension and cerebrovascular ischemia, aggravate the age-related alterations in BBB function. The histologic changes in brain vasculature with aging is region selective and species specific. The common age-related histologic changes include loss of capillary endothelial cells, elongation of the remaining endothelial cells, and decreased capillary diameter in rat cortex, but not in the monkey or human cortex, and a decrease in the number of mitochondria in endothelial cells of the brain capillaries in the monkey but not in the rat. The age-related alterations in BBB transport function include a decrease in BBB choline transport with aging and decreased brain glucose influx. The BBB neutral amino acid transport appears to be unaltered in the aged mice. Most of the studies reported so far have failed to show a significant age-related alteration in BBB permeability to water-soluble substances and high molecular weight solutes in the absence of neurological disease. A more profound change in BBB permeability appears to be associated with Alzheimer's disease. Immunohistological studies have demonstrated the presence of serum proteins in the cerebrovascular amyloid in patients with Alzheimer's disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Mooradian
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Sepulveda V.A. Medical Center, CA 91343
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127
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Rogers J, Luber-Narod J. Immune actions in the nervous system: A brief review with special emphasis on Aalzheimer's disease. Drug Dev Res 1988. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.430150214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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128
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129
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Abstract
A blood-brain barrier deficit may play a role in age-related deterioration and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Strategies for testing this hypothesis by investigating the structure, barrier and transport functions of brain capillary endothelium are described and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Davies
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, Paddington, London, UK
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130
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Forster MJ, Retz KC, Lal H. Learning and memory deficits associated with autoimmunity: Significance in aging and Alzheimer's disease. Drug Dev Res 1988. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.430150216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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131
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132
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TANAKA JUNYA, MURAKOSHI KAZUKO, TAKEDA MASATOSHI, KATO YOSHIYA, TADA KUNITOSHI, HARIGUCHI SHIRO, NISHIMURA TSUYOSHI. A HIGH LEVEL OF ANTI-GFAP AUTOANTIBODY IN THE SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE . Biomed Res 1988. [DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.9.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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133
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Eikelenboom P, Scott JR, McBride PA, Rozemuller JM, Bruce ME, Fraser H. No evidence for involvement of plasma proteins or blood-borne cells in amyloid plaque formation in scrapie-affected mice. An immunohistoperoxidase study. VIRCHOWS ARCHIV. B, CELL PATHOLOGY INCLUDING MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 1987; 53:251-6. [PMID: 2890238 DOI: 10.1007/bf02890250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate blood-brain permeability and the possible involvement of plasma proteins and blood-borne cells in amyloid plaque formation in scrapie-affected mice. No abnormal extravasation of intravenously injected horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was found and with immunocytochemical techniques no plasma proteins were detected in neuropil from scrapie-affected mice. In contrast to an earlier report, these findings suggest that the blood-brain barrier is essentially intact in scrapie-affected mice. Using immunohistochemical and enzyme histochemical methods no cells belonging to the monocyte-macrophage lineage were detected in association with amyloid plaques. Thus, by these methods there was no evidence that plasma proteins or blood-borne cells are involved in amyloid plaque formation in scrapie-affected mice. However, astrocytes were consistently found to be associated with amyloid plaques at all stages of their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Eikelenboom
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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134
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Bernstein JJ, Goldberg WJ. Injury-related spinal cord astrocytes are immunoglobulin-positive (IgM and/or IgG) at different time periods in the regenerative process. Brain Res 1987; 426:112-8. [PMID: 3690308 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(87)90430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
IgG-positive astrocytes have been reported in scrapie-induced and Alzheimer's cortical plaques, multiple sclerosis, and CNS tissue around abscesses, metastatic tumors and primary tumors of glial origin. The present experiments ascertain if this immunoglobulin positivity is specific for these cases or a function of astrocytes around any site of injury in the CNS. The spinal cords of 30, 300-g Sprague-Dawley male rats were lesioned by passing a 26 gauge needle through the cord at T6. After periods as long as 9 months, the spinal cords were processed for paraffin immunohistochemistry with antisera to IgM, IgG or double labeled for these immunoglobulins and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) a specific cytoplasmic marker for astrocytes. From 1 through 7 days after lesioning double labeled astrocytes in and around the site of injury are both IgM- and IgG-positive. From 14 days through 9 months postlesion, double labeled astrocytes surrounding the lesion are only positive for IgG. These data indicate a relationship between immunoglobulin availability, continued blood-brain barrier perturbation to immunoglobulins and the ability of reactive astrocytes to sequestor immunoglobulins. IgM is an early determinant for reactive astrocytes and IgG positivity is determinant for reactive astrocytes at any time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Bernstein
- Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury and Regeneration, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422
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135
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Pardridge WM, Vinters HV, Yang J, Eisenberg J, Choi TB, Tourtellotte WW, Huebner V, Shively JE. Amyloid angiopathy of Alzheimer's disease: amino acid composition and partial sequence of a 4,200-dalton peptide isolated from cortical microvessels. J Neurochem 1987; 49:1394-401. [PMID: 3312495 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1987.tb01005.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The cardinal lesions of Alzheimer's disease are neurofibrillary tangles, senile neuritic plaques, and vascular amyloid, the latter generally involving cortical arteries and small arterioles. All three lesions are composed of amyloid-like, beta-pleated sheet fibrils. Recently, a 4,200-dalton peptide has been isolated from extraparenchymal meningeal vessels, neuritic plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles. The assumption of N-terminal homogeneity in vascular amyloid has been used as an argument for a neuronal (versus blood) origin of the peptide. However, intracortical microvessels from Alzheimer's disease have not been previously isolated. The present studies describe the isolation of a microvessel fraction from Alzheimer's disease and control fresh autopsy human brain. Alzheimer's disease isolated brain microvessels that were extensively laden with amyloid and control microvessels were solubilized in 90% formic acid and analyzed by urea sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The arteriole fraction from the Alzheimer's subject with extensive amyloid angiopathy contained a unique 4,200-dalton peptide, whereas the arterioles or capillaries isolated from two controls and two Alzheimer's disease subjects without angiopathy did not. This peptide was purified by HPLC and amino acid composition analysis showed the peptide is nearly identical to the 4,200-dalton peptide recently isolated from neuritic plaques or from neurofibrillary tangles. Sequence analysis revealed N-terminal heterogeneity. The N-terminal sequence was: Asp-Ala-Glu-Phe-Arg-His-Asp-Ser-Gly-Tyr, which is identical to the N-terminal sequence of the 4,200-dalton peptide isolated previously from extraparenchymal meningeal vessels and neuritic plaques.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Pardridge
- Brain Research Institute, UCLA School of Medicine 90024
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136
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Court J, Ferrier N, Griffiths H, Lauffart B, Perry R, Candy J, Fairbairn A, Blessed G. Serum creatine kinase-BB levels and cerebral cortical creatine kinase activity in senile dementia of the Alzheimer type. J Neurol Sci 1987; 80:111-5. [PMID: 3612178 DOI: 10.1016/0022-510x(87)90225-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A rise in serum creatine kinase-BB (CK-BB) levels has been reported previously in cases of dementia. In the present study the levels of serum CK-BB have been measured in patients clinically assessed to have senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT) and in cognitively intact individuals, matched for age, by a specific two-site monoclonal immunoradiometric assay. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups. Total creatine kinase activity in temporal cortex (Brodmann area 21 and 22) was also found to be similar in brains from SDAT or control cases, obtained at autopsy. These results suggest no major change in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to this enzyme in SDAT patients.
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137
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Kulmala HK, Boja JW, Albrecht JW, Hutton JT. Brain reactive antibodies and the blood-brain barrier: observations in aging rodents and the effects of peripheral kainic acid. Exp Aging Res 1987; 13:67-72. [PMID: 3678354 DOI: 10.1080/03610738708259303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study was initiated to confirm the existence of brain-reactive autoantibodies and to determine if such antibodies have higher affinity for brain regions especially affected in Alzheimer's disease. Serum collected from 90, 300, and 600 day old mice was incubated against brain tissues from these same mice, followed by incubation with fluorescently tagged rabbit antimouse IgG. No antibodies were present in the youngest serum, but considerable antibodies were present at 300 and, especially, at 600 days. Such antibodies were present in the blood vessels, but not in the brains of older animals. These antibodies, applied exogenously, labeled cells equally in all three ages of brains including most cortical and many other neurons, indicating that they are not neurotransmitter specific. In a further study, kainic acid or saline was administered peripherally to 15-month old rats. Kainic acid damaged the blood brain barrier and allowed the CNS entry of brain-reactive antibodies, especially into the subregions of hippocampus most damaged in Alzheimer's.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Kulmala
- Department of Pharmacology, Northeastern Ohio Universities, College of Medicine, Rootstown 44272
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138
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139
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Stewart PA, Magliocco M, Hayakawa K, Farrell CL, Del Maestro RF, Girvin J, Kaufmann JC, Vinters HV, Gilbert J. A quantitative analysis of blood-brain barrier ultrastructure in the aging human. Microvasc Res 1987; 33:270-82. [PMID: 3587079 DOI: 10.1016/0026-2862(87)90022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The unique ultrastructure of brain endothelial cells restricts nonspecific leakage of blood-borne molecules across the blood-brain barrier (bbb). Human barrier ultrastructure has not been studied extensively because of the rapid ultrastructural degeneration that takes place after death. We have obtained living, structurally normal neocortex and underlying white matter at biopsy from patients of various ages, and have quantitated ultrastructural features that are associated with the bbb so that we could characterize human barrier ultrastructure and determine whether it changes with age. We found that gray matter capillaries have thinner walls than white matter capillaries, and that during aging white matter capillary walls became thinner until they approached the dimensions of those in gray matter. Thinning is due to loss of pericytes and thinning of the endothelial cytoplasm. The mitochondrial density was found to be higher in gray matter than in white matter, but this is a consequence of there being a smaller cytoplasmic volume and not more (or larger) mitochondria. The mitochondrial population did not change with age. Presumptive nonspecific permeability routes (endothelial vesicles, junctional gaps) did not change with age; therefore we found no morphological substrate for increased nonspecific bbb permeability in the aging human. The loss of pericytes, however, suggests that the bbb in the elderly may be less able to compensate for transient leaks.
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140
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Schlageter NL, Carson RE, Rapoport SI. Examination of blood-brain barrier permeability in dementia of the Alzheimer type with [68Ga]EDTA and positron emission tomography. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 1987; 7:1-8. [PMID: 3100543 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.1987.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Positron emission tomography with [68Ga]ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ([68Ga]EDTA) was used to examine the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in five patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type and in five healthy age-matched controls. Within a scanning time of 90 min, there was no evidence that measurable intravascular tracer entered the brain in either the dementia or the control group. An upper limit for the cerebrovascular permeability-surface area product of [68Ga]EDTA was estimated as 2 X 10(-6) s-1 in both groups. The results provide no evidence for breakdown of the BBB in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type.
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141
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Alafuzoff I, Adolfsson R, Grundke-Iqbal I, Winblad B. Blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer dementia and in non-demented elderly. An immunocytochemical study. Acta Neuropathol 1987; 73:160-6. [PMID: 3300132 DOI: 10.1007/bf00693782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining of formalin-fixed brain was employed to compare the blood-brain barrier (BBB) function in five patients with Alzheimer's disease/senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (AD/SDAT) and three patients with AD/SDAT combined with multi-infarct dementia (MID/SDAT) with that of six non-demented aged controls. The diffusion of serum proteins through the BBB was visualized with antisera to albumin, prealbumin, immunoglobulin, C1q, C3c and to fibrinogen. A similar patterns of diffusion was seen in AD/SDAT and non-demented aged individuals. Neuron and glial cells were stained with different antisera in the vicinity of the diffusion. Senile (neuritic) plaques were occasionally visualized with antisera to IgG, C1q and C3c but not with antisera to albumin, prealbumin and fibrinogen in both demented and non-demented aged individuals. Neurofibrillary tangles were not labelled with any of the antisera studied. These results indicate that the BBB is compromised equally in AD/SDAT and in the non-demented elderly.
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142
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Merz PA, Kascsak RJ, Rubenstein R, Carp RI, Wisniewski HM. Antisera to scrapie-associated fibril protein and prion protein decorate scrapie-associated fibrils. J Virol 1987; 61:42-9. [PMID: 2878092 PMCID: PMC255197 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.61.1.42-49.1987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Scrapie-associated fibrils (SAF) are an infection-specific structure observed in the unconventional-agent diseases. Polyclonal antisera raised to scrapie proteins were used to test the antigenic relationship between purified fibrils and SAF isolated from non-protease-treated synaptosomal-mitochondrial preparations. The experimental design utilized fibrils from scrapie strain 263K-infected hamsters, scrapie strain 139A-infected mice, and scrapie strain ME7-infected mice. Preparations were examined by negative-stain immune electron microscopy and Western blot analysis of the polypeptides. Fibrils and polypeptides from each preparation reacted with a rabbit antiserum raised to each of the following: hamster 263K prion protein (PrP 27-30), hamster 263K SAF protein, and mouse ME7 SAF protein. Immune electron microscopy and Western blot analysis revealed similar antigenic relationships among the three scrapie antisera. Thus, fibrils and polypeptides can be considered to be the same in each preparation. No reactivity of the fibrils was observed with antisera raised to Alzheimer neurofibrillary tangles or a synthetic peptide of cerebrovascular amyloid. Thus, the fibrils observed in purified preparations share structural and antigenic similarities plus biochemically related peptides with SAF present in non-protease-treated preparations.
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143
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Pappolla MA, Andorn AC. Serum protein leakage in aged human brain and inhibition of ligand binding at alpha 2-adrenergic and cholinergic binding sites. Synapse 1987; 1:82-9. [PMID: 2463686 DOI: 10.1002/syn.890010111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Serum proteins are known to extravasate into the brain parenchyma in senile and presenile dementia (Glenner: Hum. Pathol. 16:433-435, 1986; Wisniewski and Kozlowski: Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 396:119-129, 1982). We have recently demonstrated that human serum Cohn fraction IV (alpha-globulin enriched) inhibits ligand binding at putative dopamine and serotonin2 receptors labeled by [3H]spiroperidol in human brain (Andorn, Pappolla, Fox, Klemens, and Martello: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:4572-4575, 1986). We now demonstrate that serum proteins can be identified in the neuropil and in neuronal cell bodies in normal aged brain, that alpha-globulin-enriched fractions inhibit ligand binding at alpha 2-adrenergic and muscarinic binding sites in human brain as well, and that serum proteins can be identified within neuronal cytoplasm and axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Pappolla
- Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, New York
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144
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Lossinsky AS, Moretz RC, Carp RI, Wisniewski HM. Ultrastructural observations of spinal cord lesions and blood-brain barrier changes in scrapie-infected mice. Acta Neuropathol 1987; 73:43-52. [PMID: 3604572 DOI: 10.1007/bf00695501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord samples from IM or VM mice injected intracerebrally with the 87V scrapie agent were examined ultrastructurally at the clinical stage of disease for changes in blood vessel permeability and for pathological alterations. In several animals, (3 of 16), massive changes were noted in the cervical spinal cords in the subependymal area of the cortical gray matter immediately surrounding the central canal including ependymal cell changes, the presence of amyloid plaque in close association with microglial cells, extensive neuropil vacuolation, the appearance of reactive astrocytes, degenerating neurites and vacuolated neurons. In those regions showing structural damage, localized increased permeability to horseradish peroxidase across the blood-brain barrier was noticed along with the appearance of numerous vesiculo-canalicular profiles in micro-blood vessel endothelial cells with extravasation of the tracer to the neuropil. Some damaged neurons appeared flooded with this tracer. These changes were not observed in either the thoracic or lumbar spinal cord regions. The occurrence of pathological changes in the spinal cords of a small percentage of intracerebrally injected mice was probably due to a high concentration of the scrapie agent which localized in the cervical spinal cord, presumably after entering the spinal fluid via the lateral ventricle at the time of injection.
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145
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Hardy JA, Mann DM, Wester P, Winblad B. An integrative hypothesis concerning the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 1986; 7:489-502. [PMID: 2882432 DOI: 10.1016/0197-4580(86)90086-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Observations, in Alzheimer's disease, in the pattern of nerve cell damage and loss, the pathology, microchemistry and immunology of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles and alterations in blood vessels are drawn together into a hypothesis that attempts to explain the pathogenesis and progression of the disorder. At the heart of this hypothesis lies a defect in blood brain barrier function and/or structure within the cerebral cortex and this defect may be the cause of the cerebral vessel amyloidosis common in many patients with Alzheimer's disease. Age-related alterations in blood brain barrier allow for damage to nerve terminals and limited formation of senile plaques within cerebral cortex; neurofibrillary tangles are formed within cortical and subcortical nerve cells which project to or near damaged vessels/senile plaques. Uptake of "neurotoxin" at affected terminals and retrograde transport to perikarya causes neurofibrillary tangles to be formed; their accumulation leads to perikaryal changes culminating in cell death and loss. Loss of cells in cortically projecting areas of subcortex such as nucleus basalis, locus caeruleus and dorsal raphe, which terminate on cerebral vessels, causes further blood brain barrier dysfunction, new plaque formation and continued cell loss in cortex and subcortex. Once started, such a process could be self-perpetuating and the initial site of damage could lie within the amygdala/hippocampus with putative pathogenic agent accessing the brain via the olfactory pathways.
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146
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Katzman R. Role of neuritic plaques and blood brain barrier in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 1986. [DOI: 10.1016/0197-4580(86)90091-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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147
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Abstract
The current evidence for and against abnormalities of the blood-brain barrier in "normal" aging and Alzheimer's disease is reviewed. Recent studies of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a microangiopathy commonly observed in Alzheimer's disease and one suggested to result from blood-brain barrier derangement, are discussed with particular attention to the biochemical nature of the vascular amyloid material, and features it shares with the amyloid found in senile plaque cores and with neurofibrillary tangles. Modern techniques that will probably clarify blood-brain barrier pathophysiology are reviewed.
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148
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Hardy J, Mann D, Wester P, Winblad B. Author's response to commentaries. Neurobiol Aging 1986. [DOI: 10.1016/0197-4580(86)90099-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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149
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Ishii T, Sato M, Haga S, Shinoda T, Kato K, Saito T. A monoclonal antibody to amyloid in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 1986; 12:441-5. [PMID: 3537831 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.1986.tb00052.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A monoclonal antibody that reacts with the amyloid in senile plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, was produced. The antigen was the crude amyloid protein (DAM, Pras et al. 1968) from the spleen of a patient with primary amyloidosis. The antibody crossreacts with DAM, but does not stain the amyloid of primary amyloidosis in tissue sections. The presence of a common antigenic site or sites in both the amyloid of senile plaques and amyloid of primary amyloidosis which react with this antibody is postulated.
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150
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Kim YS, Lee MH, Wisniewski HM. Aluminum induced reversible change in permeability of the blood-brain barrier to [14C]sucrose. Brain Res 1986; 377:286-91. [PMID: 3730864 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(86)90870-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
To determine whether aluminum alters the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), 4 groups of rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of aluminum chloride, aluminum lactate, aluminum hydroxide or physiological saline. Two hours later, [14C]sucrose was injected, and brain radioactivity was measured from 5 different brain regions. The permeability capillary surface area (PA) was calculated by the dual compartment model (plasma-brain) proposed by Rapoport et al. The PAs for [14C]sucrose were significantly elevated in all brain regions of the animals injected with the aluminum chloride or aluminum lactate. However, the aluminum hydroxide group showed no BBB permeability change. In the second experiment, the reversibility of the aluminum induced BBB change was examined. PA was determined at 2, 4 or 24 h after exposure to aluminum lactate. Significant permeability changes were observed at 2 and 4 h after aluminum. However, the difference disappeared by 24 h. These findings indicate that exposure to a high level of aluminum alters the function of BBB in the rat and the aluminum induced BBB change is reversible. An increase in the blood aluminum level and time after exposure appear to be important factors associated with the BBB permeability change. Implications of the results are discussed in terms of aluminum's potential action on the endothelial cells.
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