Upregulation of Ca²⁺-binding proteins contributes to VTA dopamine neuron survival in the early phases of Alzheimer's disease in Tg2576 mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent clinical and experimental studies have highlighted the involvement of Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons for the early pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). We have previously described a progressive and selective degeneration of these neurons in the Tg2576 mouse model of AD, long before amyloid-beta plaque formation. The degenerative process in DA neurons is associated with an autophagy flux impairment, whose rescue can prevent neuronal loss. Impairments in autophagy can be the basis for accumulation of damaged mitochondria, leading to disturbance in calcium (Ca²⁺) homeostasis, and to functional and structural deterioration of DA neurons.

Methods

In Tg2576 mice, we performed amperometric recordings of DA levels and analysis o

SUBMITTER: La Barbera L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9700939 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature