Comparative study of microglia activation induced by amyloid-beta and prion peptides: role in neurodegeneration
Abstract
The inflammatory responses in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and prion-related encephalopathies (PRE) are dominated by microglia activation. Several studies have reported that the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides, which are associated with AD, and the pathogenic isoform of prion protein (PrPSc) have a crucial role in neuronal death and gliosis that occur in both of these disorders. In this study, we investigate whether Abeta and PrPSc cause microglia activation per se and whether these amyloidogenic peptides differentially affect these immunoeffector cells. In addition, we also determined whether substances released by Abeta- and PrP-activated microglia induce neuronal death. Cultures of rat brain microglia cells were treated with the synthetic peptides Abeta1-40, Abeta1-42 and PrP106-126 for different time periods. The lipopolysaccharide was used as a positive control of microglia activation. Our results show that Abeta1-40 and PrP106-126 caused similar morphological changes in microglia and increased the production of nitric oxide and hydroperoxides. An increase on inducible nitric oxide synthase expression was also observed in microglia treated with Abeta1-40 or PrP106. However, these peptides affected in a different manner the secre...Continue Reading
References
Citations
Neuroprotective activities of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in an animal model of Parkinson's disease
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Astrocytes & Amyloid
Astrocytes are thought to play a role in amyloid production and have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Here is the latest research on the relationship between astrocytes and amyloid.
Alzheimer's Disease: APP
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) proteolysis is critical for the development of Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disease associated with accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain. Here is the latest research on APP and Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Disease: Microglia
Microglia are a type of glial cell found throughout the brain and spinal cord. Microglia have been found to be associated with Alzheimer's disease development and progression. Here are the latest discoveries pertaining to Alzheimer's disease and microglia.
Alzheimer's Disease: Amyloid Beta
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease associated with the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain; these plaques are comprised of amyloid beta deposits. Here is the latest research in this field.