The role of amyloid beta-protein in Alzheimer's disease.
Deposition of amyloid beta-protein in the brain has been regarded as the central event in Alzheimer's disease; however, amyloid beta-protein precursor is an endogenous protein, probably with neurotrophic functions. An alternative hypothesis is that amyloid beta-protein is involved in the disease process secondarily, as a protective reactant when brain cells are injured. Insufficiency of amyloid beta-protein precursor, whether because of a genetic defect or in relation to the action of environmental factors, then allows development of Alzheimer changes.
Department of Psychiatry, Mölndal Hospital, Sweden.
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Regland
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Gottfries
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000235:genetics; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D010641:Phenotype
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; D005819:Genetic Markers