How Alzheimer's Disease Affects Neurons and Blood-Brain Barrier Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Kandimalla Karunya K., Olenych Scott G., Fulzele Smita, Davidson Michael W., Poduslo Joseph F.
Primary Institution: Florida A&M University
Hypothesis
The study investigates the cellular mechanisms mediating the internalization of Aβ proteins in neurons and BBB endothelial cells.
Conclusion
The study found that Aβ40 is primarily taken up by neurons through non-endocytotic and energy-independent pathways, while BBB endothelial cells internalize it via endocytotic and energy-dependent mechanisms.
Supporting Evidence
- Aβ40 is preferentially taken up by a subpopulation of cortical and hippocampal neurons.
- F-Aβ40 showed only partial co-localization with endocytotic markers, suggesting non-endocytotic uptake.
- Uptake of F-Aβ40 was not significantly affected by conditions that inhibit endocytosis.
Takeaway
This study shows that brain cells can take in a harmful protein in different ways, which helps explain why some brain cells are more affected by Alzheimer's disease than others.
Methodology
The study used laser confocal microscopy and flow cytometry to analyze the uptake of fluorescein labeled Aβ40 in mouse brain slices and differentiated PC12 cells.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on Aβ40 and did not investigate the internalization of Aβ42 in detail due to its oligomeric nature.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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