Diffuse β-amyloid (Aβ) deposits and neurons: In situ secretion or diffusion of Aβ?

Richard A. Armstrong*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The association between diffuse-type β-amyloid (Aβ) deposits and neuronal cell bodies in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down's syndrome (DS) could result from the secretion of Aβ from clusters of neurons in situ or the diffusion of Aβ from cell processes, glial cells or blood vessels. To decide between these hypotheses, spatial pattern analysis was used to study the relationship between the degree of clustering of neuronal cell bodies and the presence of diffuse deposits in the temporal lobe of patients with DS. Significant clustering of neuronal cell bodies was present in 17/24 (71 %) of brain areas studied. In addition, in 23/24 (96%) of brain areas, there was a positive correlation between the presence of diffuse deposits and the density of neurons. Hence, the data support the hypothesis that diffuse deposits develop in situ mainly as a result of the secretion of Aβ by local clusters of neurons rather than by significant diffusion. Furthermore, the size of a diffuse deposit is likely to be determined by the number of neurons within a cluster which secrete Aβ. The number and density of neurons could also be a factor determining the evolution of a diffuse into a mature amyloid deposit.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)289-294
    Number of pages6
    JournalAlzheimers Reports
    Volume3
    Issue number5-6
    Publication statusPublished - 2000

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