Enhanced Aß(1-40) production in endothelial cells stimulated with fibrillar Aß(1-42).

ABSTRACT

Amyloid accumulation in the brain of Alzheimer's patients results from altered processing of the 39- to 43-amino acid amyloid ß protein (Aß). The mechanisms for the elevated amyloid (Aß(1-42)) are considered to be over-expression of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), enhanced cleavage of APP to Aß, and decreased clearance of Aß from the central nervous system (CNS). We report herein studies of Aß stimulated effects on endothelial cells. We observe an interesting and as yet unprecedented feedback effect involving Aß(1-42) fibril-induced synthesis of APP by Western blot analysis in the endothelial cell line Hep-1. We further observe an increase in the expression of Aß(1-40) by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. This phenomenon is reproducible for cultures grown both in the presence and absence of serum. In the former case, flow cytometry reveals that Aß(1-40) accumulation is less pronounced than under serum-free conditions. Immunofluorescence staining further corroborates these observations. Cellular responses to fibrillar Aß(1-42) treatment involving eNOS upregulation and increased autophagy are also reported.