Morphologic association between microglia and senile plaque amyloid in Alzheimer's disease
Abstract
Alzheimer senile plaques are comprised of extracellular deposits of beta-amyloid. The cell type responsible for the secretion of this amyloid, however, is unknown. In the present study, compact amyloid 'stars' and the cellular elements directly apposed to them were examined at the ultrastructural level. In many cases, amyloid fibrils were closely interdigitated with the plasma membrane of cells with dark cytoplasm, dense bodies and distinctive nuclei. These cells were morphologically identified as microglia, the resident macrophages of the brain. Previous work has described an identical morphologic association between macrophages and several types of systemic and cerebral amyloidoses. Taken together, these data suggest that beta-amyloid may be secreted by microglia.
References
Citations
Protease production by cultured microglia: substrate gel analysis and immobilized matrix degradation
The role of microglial cells and astrocytes in fibrillar plaque evolution in transgenic APP(SW) mice
Amyloid deposition is associated with c-Jun expression in Alzheimer's disease and amyloid angiopathy
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
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.
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.