Astroglial connexin immunoreactivity is specifically altered at ß-amyloid plaques in ß-amyloid precursor protein/presenilin1 mice.
Neuroscience
; 171(1): 92-105, 2010 Nov 24.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20813165
ABSTRACT
Activation of astrocytes surrounding amyloid plaques is a hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) with consequences yet poorly understood. Astrocytes are characterized by a high level of intercellular communication mediated by two gap-junction forming proteins, connexin-43 and connexin-30. As astroglial connexins (Cxs) are involved in neuronal dysfunctions and death, we have analyzed their expression pattern in two murine models of AD, that is two different ß-amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin1(PS1) mice, using western blot and immunohistochemistry analyzed in confocal microscopy. In young mice at 2 months, before the emergence of ß-amyloid (Aß) deposits, the distribution of both Cxs was similar to that of control mice. In older animals≥4 months, local modifications in connexin immunostaining pattern were observed in the microenvironment of dense core Aß plaques. In a majority of plaques, an elevated immunoreactivity was detected for both Cxs contributing to the overall increase in connexin expression detected in 18 month old APP/PS1 mice. Activated microglial cells did not contribute to the elevated connexin immunoreactivity that was concentrated in astroglial processes infiltrating the plaques. In a small proportion of plaques (≤15%) a depletion of immunoreactive connexin puncta was also found. As astroglial Cxs participate in neuroglial interactions, their remodeling may contribute to neuronal alterations observed at the periplaque area.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Encéfalo
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Astrócitos
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Precursor de Proteína beta-Amiloide
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Conexinas
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Placa Amiloide
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Presenilina-1
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Article