Minocycline affects microglia activation, Abeta deposition, and behavior in APP-tg mice
Abstract
Activated microglia and reactive astrocytes invade and surround cerebral beta amyloid (Abeta) plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the role of microglia in plaque development is still unclear. In this study, minocycline was administered for 3 months, prior to and early in Abeta plaque formation in amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice (APP-tg). When minocycline was given to younger mice, there was a small but significant increase in Abeta deposition in the hippocampus, concurrent with improved cognitive performance relative to vehicle treated mice. If APP-tg mice received minocycline after Abeta deposition had begun, microglial activation was suppressed but this did not affect Abeta deposition or improve cognitive performance. In vitro studies demonstrated that minocycline suppressed microglial production of IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF, and NGF. Thus, minocycline has different effects on Abeta plaque deposition and microglia activation depending on the age of administration. Our data suggest that this may be due to the effects of minocycline on microglial function. Therefore, anti-inflammatory therapies to suppress microglial activation or function may reduce cytokine production but enhance Abeta plaque formation early in AD.
References
Production and release of neuroprotective tumor necrosis factor by P2X7 receptor-activated microglia
Citations
Neuroinflammation, microglia and implications for anti-inflammatory treatment in Alzheimer's disease
Efficacy of minocycline in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a phase III randomised trial
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
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: Animal Models
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease which can be studied using various experimental systems. This feed focuses on animal models used for Alzheimer's disease research.
Astrocytes
Astrocytes are glial cells that support the blood-brain barrier, facilitate neurotransmission, provide nutrients to neurons, and help repair damaged nervous tissues. Here is the latest research.
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.
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: 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.