Alterations of endocannabinoid signaling and microglia reactivity in the retinas of AD-like mice precede the onset of hippocampal β-amyloid plaques.

ABSTRACT: Extra-cerebral manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD) develop in the retina, which is, therefore, considered a "window to the brain". Recent studies demonstrated the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system (ECS) in AD brain. Here, we explored the possible alterations of ECS and the onset of gliosis in the retina of AD-like mice. Tg2576 (TG) mice overexpressing the amyloid precursor protein (APP) were used at the age of 12 months, when hippocampal β-amyloid plaques had not been developed yet. Analysis of retinal gliosis showed a significant increase in the number of IBA1 (+) microglia cells in TG versus wild type (WT). Gliosis was not associated with retinal β-amyloid plaques, evident retinal degenerative signatures, or excitotoxicity; instead, oxidative stress burden was obse

SUBMITTER: Tisi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11808635 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature