The effect of beta-amyloid on neurons and the influence of glucocorticoid and age on such effect.
To explore the relationship between beta-amyloid (A beta) and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD), after injection of beta-amyloid into the rat brain, the apoptosis of nerve cells and acetylcholine (Ach) content in rat hippocampus were examined by employing TUNEL technique and base hydroxylamine colorimetry respectively. The influence of age and glucocorticoid on the neurotoxic effect of A beta was also analyzed. A beta peptide could strongly induce the apoptosis of neurons in hippocampus, cortex and striate body (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In addition, the senility and glucocorticoid pre-treatment could enhance the toxic effect of A beta (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). It is concluded that A beta may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease via its induction of apoptosis of neurons and by decreasing the content of the Ach.
Chen
Honghui
H
Department of Geriatrics, Wuhan Psychiatric Hospital, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030.
Sun
Shenggang
S
Mei
Yuanwu
Y
Liu
Changqin
C
Liu
Anqiu
A
Tong
Etang
E
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000378:metabolism; D000375:Aging; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000209:etiology; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D003907:Dexamethasone; D000109:Acetylcholine