Androgen alleviates neurotoxicity of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) by promoting microglial clearance of Aβ and inhibiting microglial inflammatory response to Aβ.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Lower androgen level in elderly men is a risk factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has been reported that androgen reduces amyloid peptides (Aβ) production and increases Aβ degradation by neurons. Activated microglia are involved in AD by either clearing Aβ deposits through uptake of Aβ or releasing cytotoxic substances and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we investigated the effect of androgen on Aβ uptake and clearance and Aβ-induced inflammatory response in microglia, on neuronal death induced by Aβ-activated microglia, and explored underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Intracellular and extracellular Aβ were examined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. Amyloid peptides (Aβ) receptors, Aβ degrading enzymes, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by RT-

SUBMITTER: Yao PL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6492702 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature