Apolipoprotein E level and cholesterol are associated with reduced synaptic amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease and apoE TR mouse cortex.

ABSTRACT: The apolipoprotein E4 allele (APOE4) contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk and APOE2 is protective, but the relevant cellular mechanisms are unknown. We have used flow cytometry analysis to measure apolipoprotein E (apoE) and amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) levels in large populations of synaptic terminals from AD and aged cognitively normal controls, and demonstrate that modest but significant increases in soluble apoE levels accompany elevated Aβ in AD cortical synapses and in an APP/PS1 rat model of AD. Dual labeling experiments document co-localization of apoE and Aβ in individual synapses with concentration of Aβ in a small population of apoE-positive synapses in both AD and controls. Consistent with a clearance role, the apoE level was higher in Aβ-positive synapses in control cases

SUBMITTER: Arold S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3404604 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature