An extensive network of PHF tau-rich dystrophic neurites permeates neocortex and nearly all neuritic and diffuse amyloid plaques in Alzheimer disease.
Previous studies demonstrated paired helical filament tau (PHF tau) in neuritic but not diffuse beta-amyloid (A beta) plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Re-examination of amyloid deposits with antibodies to A beta and PHF tau by conventional and confocal microscopy using double label immunohistochemistry showed that PHF tau is a component of both diffuse and neuritic plaques in AD. Unlike controls, a dense network of PHF tau positive dystrophic neurites extended throughout the AD neocortex permeating nearly all neuritic and diffuse plaques. Thus, PHF tau-rich dystrophic neurites are common components of neuritic and diffuse plaques in AD neocortex.
Schmidt
M L
ML
Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104-4283.
DiDario
A G
AG
Lee
V M
VM
Trojanowski
J Q
JQ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000032:analysis*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D016501:Neurites / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D016874:Neurofibrillary Tangles / Q000737:chemistry; D016875:tau Proteins
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; C054369:MAPT protein, human; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D016875:tau Proteins