Alzheimer's paired helical filaments: amyloid precursor protein epitope mapping

Role of hydrogen peroxide in the aetiology of Alzheimer's disease: implications for treatment

Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) is a stable, uncharged and freely diffusable reactive oxygen species (ROS) and second messenger. The generation of H(2)O(2) in the brain is relatively high because of the high oxygen consumption in the tissue. Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the appearance of amyloid-beta (Abeta)-containing plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles. The pathology of Alzheimer's disease is also associated with oxidative stress and H(2)O(2) is implicated in this and the neurotoxicity of the Abeta peptide. The ability for Abeta to generate H(2)O(2), and interactions of H(2)O(2) with iron and copper to generate highly toxic ROS, may provide a mechanism for the oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer's disease. The role of heavy metals in Alzheimer's disease pathology and the toxicity of the H(2)O(2) molecule may be closely linked. Drugs that prevent oxidative stress include antioxidants, modifiers of the enzymes involved in ROS generation and metabolism, metal chelating agents and agents that can remove the stimulus for ROS generation. In Alzheimer's disease the H(2)O(2) molecule must be considered a therapeutic target for treatment of the oxidative stress associated with the disease. The actions of H(2)O(2) include modifications of proteins, lipids and DNA, all of which are effects seen in the Alzheimer's disease brain and may contribute to the loss of synaptic function characteristic of the disease. The effectiveness of drugs to target this component of the disease pathology remains to be determined; however, metal chelators may provide an effective route and have the added bonus in the case of clioquinol of potentially reducing the Abeta load. Future research and development of agents that specifically target the H(2)O(2) molecule or enzymes involved in its metabolism may provide the future route to Alzheimer's disease therapy.

The functions of the amyloid precursor protein gene

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene and its protein products have multiple functions in the central nervous system and fulfil criteria as neuractive peptides: presence, release and identity of action. There is increased understanding of the role of secretases (proteases) in the metabolism of APP and the production of its peptide fragments. The APP gene and its products have physiological roles in synaptic action, development of the brain, and in the response to stress and injury. These functions reveal the strategic importance of APP in the workings of the brain and point to its evolutionary significance.

Immunogold labelling of paired helical filaments and amyloid fibrils by specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies

Senile plaque and paired helical filament (PHF) formation are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, but the mechanisms leading to these lesions still remain unclear. To understand them better, we have performed different immunolabellings of amyloid protein and PHF. We describe a very specific immunodetection of PHF with AD2, a monoclonal antibody directed against a hyperphosphorylated epitope of PHF-tau, and use double immunolabelling to show that PHF and plaque amyloid are discretely labelled by different antibodies. We also discuss different mechanisms of PHF maturation.