Alz-50 antibody recognizes Alzheimer-related neuronal changes.
Alz-50 is a monoclonal antibody directed against an antigen present in Alzheimer's disease. Unlike conventional pathological stains that reveal only neurons with neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), Alz-50 recognizes neurons that contain NFTs and additional neurons that do not. Our investigation of the topographical distribution of both NFT-containing and non-NFT-containing neurons recognized by Alz-50 reveals that they are both found primarily in certain cytoarchitectural areas and lamina that have been established as consistent sites for NFT pathology. Some of the neurons recognized by Alz-50 appear histopathologically normal. We suggest that Alz-50 recognizes an antigen in neurons that both precedes and accompanies NFT formation. Thus, it may mark a point early in cellular pathology before irreversible cytoskeletal and degenerative changes occur.
Hyman
B T
BT
Department of Neurology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242.
Van Hoesen
G W
GW
Wolozin
B L
BL
Davies
P
P
Kromer
L J
LJ
Damasio
A R
AR
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009454:Neurofibrils / Q000473:pathology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology*; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal