title: [Effects of vitamin E on expression of PS-1 and production of Abeta in the hippocampus of female senile rats].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To observe the expression of Presenilin-1 (PS-1) and production of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) in hippocampus of female senile rats and to investigate the effect of vitamin E(VE) on preventing Alzheimer's disease after menopause.
  
  
  METHODS
  The animal model was established using female senile rats. Experimental groups (n=8) were respectively given different doses of VE(5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg) per day. The expression of PS-1 in hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry, the level of Abeta in hippocampus was measured by Radioimmunoassay, and neuronal ultrastructure in hippocampal DG area was observed using transmission electron microscope.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The expression of PS-1 in rat hippocampus of senile control group was stronger than that of adult control group. PS-1 expressed weakly in three medication groups along with augmentation of dosage. The levels of Abeta were found to correlate statistically with the expression of PS-1. The content of Abeta in VE groups was significantly decreased compared to that in senile control group (P < 0.01). There were some changes in the neuronal ultrastructure of senile rats. Neurons were gradually recovered in VE groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  VE may depress the production of Abeta by regulating the expression of PS-1, reducing neuronal injuries. VE may play a role in neuronal protection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China.
authors.forename: Ya-kun
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.forename: Lan-chun
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Chang-zhu
authors.initials: CZ
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Jiang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ni
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D053764:Presenilin-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D053764:Presenilin-1; D014810:Vitamin E