Evidence for a protective effect of the loss of α4-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on Aβ-related neuropathology in Tg2576 mice.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Loss of cholinergic neurons as well as α4β2* (* = containing) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) is a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specifically, amyloid β (Aβ), the principal pathogenic factor of AD, is a high affinity ligand for nAChRs. Yet, the pathophysiological role of nAChRs in AD is not well established.

Methods

In the present study, we have investigated the effects of the loss of α4* nAChRs on the histological alterations of the Tg2576 mouse model of AD (APPswe) crossing hemizygous APPswe mice with mice carrying the genetic inactivation of α4 nAChR subunit (α4KO).

Results

A global decrease in Aβ plaque load was observed in the forebrain of APPswe/α4KO mice in comparison with APPswe mice, that was particularly marked in neo

SUBMITTER: Vilella A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10126303 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature