The Nonfibrillar Amyloid β-Peptide Induces Apoptotic Neuronal Cell Death

The toxicity of the nonaggregated amyloid beta-peptide (1-40) [A beta(1-40)] on the viability of rat cortical neurons in primary culture was investigated. We demonstrated that low concentrations of A beta peptide, in a nonfibrillar form, induced a time- and dose-dependent apoptotic cell death, including DNA condensation and fragmentation. We compared the neurotoxicity of the A beta(1-40) peptide with those of several A beta-peptide domains, comprising the membrane-destabilizing C-terminal domain of A beta peptide (e.g., amino acids 29-40 and 29-42). These peptides reproduced the effects of the (1-40) peptide, whereas mutant nonfusogenic A beta peptides and the central region of the A beta peptide (e.g., amino acids 13-28) had no effect on cell viability. We further demonstrated that the neurotoxicity of the nonaggregated A beta peptide paralleled a rapid and stable interaction between the A beta peptide and the plasma membrane of neurons, preceding apoptosis and DNA fragmentation. By contrast, the peptide in a fibrillar form induced a rapid and dramatic neuronal death mainly through a necrotic pathway, under our conditions. Taken together, our results suggest that A beta induces neuronal cell death by either apoptosis and necrosis and that an interaction between the nonfibrillar C-terminal domain of the A beta peptide and the plasma membrane of cortical neurons might represent an early event in a cascade leading to neurodegeneration.     

Caffeine Stimulates Amyloid β-Peptide Release from β-Amyloid Precursor Protein-Transfected HEK293 Cells

Abstract: Extracellular amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) deposition is a pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease and the aging brain. Intracellular Aβ accumulation is observed in the human muscle disease, inclusion body myositis. Aβ has been reported to be toxic to neurons through disruption of normal calcium homeostasis. The pathogenic role of Aβ in inclusion body myositis is not as clear. Elevation of intracellular calcium following application of calcium ionophore increases the generation of Aβ from its precursor protein (βAPP). A receptor-based mechanism for the increase in Aβ production has not been reported to our knowledge. Here, we use caffeine to stimulate ryanodine receptor (RYR)-regulated intracellular calcium release channels and show that internal calcium stores also participate in the genesis of Aβ. In cultured HEK293 cells transfected with βAPP cDNA, caffeine (5–10 m M ) significantly increased the release of Aβ fourfold compared with control. These actions of caffeine were saturable, modulated by ryanodine, and inhibited by the RYR antagonists ruthenium red and procaine. The calcium reuptake inhibitors thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid potentiated caffeine-stimulated Aβ release. NH₄Cl and monensin, agents that alter acidic gradients in intracellular vesicles, abolished both the caffeine and ionophore effects. Immunocytochemical studies showed some correspondence between the distribution patterns of RYR and cellular βAPP immunoreactivities. The relevance of these findings to Alzheimer's disease and inclusion body myositis is discussed.     

Proteolytic Degradation of Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid β-Peptide by a Metalloproteinase from Microglia Cells

Abstract: The cerebral deposition of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) is a histopathological characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Because an impaired clearance of Aβ might be involved in the disease, we investigated the proteolytic degradation of synthetic Aβ (40-residue peptide) in cultures of glial cells and characterized a protease involved. Whereas rat astrocytes had a very low degradation capacity, cultivated rat microglia cells cleaved Aβ. Microglia activity was considerably enhanced by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and to a lesser extent by phorbol esters. Most of the Aβ-degrading activity was released into the medium. By use of selective inhibitors the protease was characterized as a metalloprotease of ∼200 kDa that was different from neutral endopeptidase (a neuropeptide-degrading enzyme), matrix metalloproteases, or macrophage elastase. Its activity was efficiently reduced by four hydroxamic acid-based zinc-metalloprotease inhibitors that have been shown to inhibit membrane protein secretases (disintegrins). We conclude that activated microglia cells might impair amyloid plaque formation by release of a metalloprotease that degrades soluble Aβ before polymerization.     

Fate of Cerebrospinal Fluid-Borne Amyloid β-Peptide: Rapid Clearance into Blood and Appreciable Accumulation by Cerebral Arteries

Abstract: In Alzheimer's disease, the neuritic or senile amyloid plaques in hippocampus and association cortex, the diffuse plaques in brain areas such as the cerebellum and sensorimotor cortex, and the amyloid deposits in the walls of pial and parenchymal blood vessels are mainly composed of amyloid β-peptides. In the present study, either soluble 40-residue amyloid β-peptide radiolabeled with ¹²⁵I (I-sAβ) or [¹⁴C]polyethylene glycol ([¹⁴C]-PEG, a reference material) was briefly infused into one lateral ventricle of normal rats. By 3.5 min, 30% of the I-sAβ was cleared from ventricular CSF into blood; another 30% was removed over the next 6.5 min. No [¹⁴C]PEG was lost from the CSF-brain system during the first 5 min, and only 20% was cleared by 10 min. Much of the I-sAβ that reached the subarachnoid space was retained by pial arteries and arterioles. Virtually no I-sAβ was found in brain. The clearance of amyloid β-peptides from the CSF-brain system, reported herein for normal rats, may be reduced in Alzheimer's disease, thus contributing to amyloid deposition in cerebral tissue and blood vessels.     

High-Resolution Separation of Amyloid β-Peptides: Structural Variants Present in Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid

Abstract: In Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the cardinal neuropathological signs is deposition of amyloid, primarily consisting of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). Structural variants of AD-associated Aβ peptides have been difficult to purify by high-resolution chromatographic techniques. We therefore developed a novel chromatographic protocol, enabling high-resolution reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) purification of Aβ variants displaying very small structural differences. By using a combination of size-exclusion chromatography and the novel RPLC protocol, Aβ peptides extracted from AD amyloid were purified and subsequently characterized. Structural analysis by microsequencing and electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry revealed that the RPLC system resolved a complex mixture of Aβ variants terminating at either residue 40 or 42. Aβ variants differing by as little as one amino acid residue could be purified rapidly to apparent homogeneity. The resolution of the system was further illustrated by its ability to separate structural isomers of Aβ^1–40. The present chromatography system might provide further insight into the role of N-terminally and posttranslationally modified Aβ variants, because each variant can now be studied individually.     

Congo Red Inhibits Proteoglycan and Serum Amyloid P Binding to Amyloid β Fibrils

Abstract: Various data suggest that Alzheimer's disease results from the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide fibrils and the consequent formation of senile plaques in the cognitive regions of the brain. One approach to lowering senile plaque burden in Alzheimer's disease brain is to identify compounds that will increase the degradation of existing amyloid fibrils. Previous studies have shown that proteoglycans and serum amyloid P (SAP), molecules that localize to senile plaques, bind to Aβ fibrils and protect the amyloid peptide from proteolytic breakdown. Therefore, molecules that prevent the binding of SAP and/or proteoglycans to fibrillar Aβ might increase plaque degradation and prove useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The nature of SAP and proteoglycan binding to Aβ is defined further in the present study. SAP binds to both fibrillar and nonfibrillar forms of Aβ. However, only the former is rendered resistant to proteolysis after SAP association. It is interesting that both SAP and proteoglycan binding to Aβ fibrils can be inhibited by glycosaminoglycans and Congo red. Unexpectedly, Congo red protects fibrillar Aβ from breakdown, suggesting that this compound and other structurally related molecules are unlikely to be suitable for use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.     

Amyloid β-Peptides Increase Annular and Bulk Fluidity and Induce Lipid Peroxidation in Brain Synaptic Plasma Membranes

Abstract: Amyloid β-peptides (Aβ) may alter the neuronal membrane lipid environment by changing fluidity and inducing free radical lipid peroxidation. The effects of Aβ_1–40 and Aβ_25–35 on the fluidity of lipids adjacent to proteins (annular fluidity), bulk lipid fluidity, and lipid peroxidation were determined in rat synaptic plasma membranes (SPM). A fluorescent method based on radiationless energy transfer from tryptophan of SPM proteins to pyrene and pyrene monomer-eximer formation was used to determine SPM annular fluidity and bulk fluidity, respectively. Lipid peroxidation was determined by the thiobarbituric acid assay. Annular fluidity and bulk fluidity of SPM were increased significantly ( p ≤ 0.02) by Aβ_1–40. Similar effects on fluidity were observed for Aβ_25–35 ( p ≤ 0.002). Increased fluidity was associated with lipid peroxidation. Both Aβ peptides significantly increased ( p ≤ 0.006) the amount of malondialdehyde in SPM. The addition of a water-soluble analogue of vitamin E (Trolox) inhibited effects of Aβ on lipid peroxidation and fluidity in SPM. The fluidizing action of Aβ peptides on SPM may be due to the induction of lipid peroxidation by those peptides. Aβ-induced changes in neuronal function, such as ion flux and enzyme activity, that have been reported previously may result from the combined effects of lipid peroxidation and increased membrane fluidity.     

Toxicity of Pyroglutaminated Amyloid β-Peptides 3(pE)-40 and -42 Is Similar to That of Aβ1-40 and -42

An N-terminal truncated isoform of the amyloid beta-peptide (A beta) that begins with a pyroglutamate (pE) residue at position 3 [A beta3(pE)-42] is the predominant isoform found in senile plaques. Based upon previous in vitro studies regarding A beta N-terminal truncated isoforms, it has been hypothesized that A beta3(pE)-x isoforms may aggregate more rapidly and become more toxic than corresponding Abeta1-x peptides. However, the toxicity and aggregation properties of A beta3(pE)-42 and A beta3(pE)-40 have not previously been examined. After initial solubilization and 1-week preaggregation of each peptide at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4, the toxicity of 5-50 microM A beta3(pE)-42 was similar to that of A beta1-42. Moreover, the toxicity of A beta3(pE)-40 paralleled that induced by A beta1-40 in both 1 day in vitro (DIV) cortical and 7 DIV hippocampal cells. Circular dichroism spectra did not reveal major differences in secondary structure between aged A beta1-42, A beta3(pE)-42, A beta3(pE)-40, and A beta1-40 or freshly solubilized forms of these peptides. Overall, the data indicate that the loss of the two N-terminal amino acids and the cyclization of glutamate at position 3 do not alter the extracellular toxicity of A beta.     

Assessment of Amyloid β Protein in Cerebrospinal Fluid as an Aid in the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract: The principal constituent of amyloid plaques found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a 39–42-amino-acid protein, amyloid β protein (Aβ). This study examined whether the measurement of Aβ levels in CSF has diagnostic value. There were 108 subjects enrolled in this prospective study: AD (n = 39), non-AD controls (dementing diseases/syndromes; n = 20), and other (n = 49). CSF was obtained by lumbar puncture, and Aβ concentrations were determined using a dual monoclonal antibody immunoradiometric sandwich assay. The mean Aβ value for the AD group (15.9 ± 6.8 ng/ml) was not significantly different from that for the non-AD control group (13.0 ± 7.1 ng/ml; p = 0.07), and substantial overlap in results were observed. Aβ values did not correlate with age ( r = −0.05, p = 0.59), severity of cognitive impairment ( r = 0.22, p = 0.21), or duration of AD symptoms ( r = 0.14, p = 0.45). These findings are in conflict with other reports in the literature; discrepant results could be due to the instability of Aβ in CSF. Aβ immunoreactivity decays rapidly under certain conditions, particularly multiple freeze/thaw cycles. Use of a stabilizing sample treatment buffer at the time of lumbar puncture allows storage of CSF without loss of Aβ reactivity. In conclusion, the total CSF Aβ level is not a useful marker for current diagnosis of AD.     

Opposing Actions of Thrombin and Protease Nexin-1 on Amyloid β-Peptide Toxicity and on Accumulation of Peroxides and Calcium in Hippocampal Neurons

Abstract: Amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) is the principal component of neuritic plaques in the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies revealed that Aβ can be neurotoxic by a mechanism involving free radical production and loss of cellular ion homeostasis, thus implicating Aβ as a key factor in the pathogenesis of AD. However, other proteins are present in plaques in AD, including the protease thrombin and protease nexin-1 (PN1), a thrombin inhibitor. We therefore tested the hypothesis that thrombin and PN1 modify neuronal vulnerability to Aβ toxicity. In dissociated rat hippocampal cell cultures the toxicity of Aβ was significantly enhanced by coincubation with thrombin, whereas PN1 protected neurons against Aβ toxicity. Aβ induced an increase in levels of intracellular peroxides and calcium. Thrombin enhanced, and PN1 attenuated, the accumulation of peroxides and calcium induced by Aβ. Taken together, these data demonstrate that thrombin and PN1 have opposing effects on neuronal vulnerability to Aβ and suggest that thrombin and PN1 play roles in the pathogenesis of neuronal injury in AD.     

Amyloid β-Peptide Inhibits High-Affinity Choline Uptake and Acetylcholine Release in Rat Hippocampal Slices

Abstract: The characteristic pathological features of the postmortem brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients include, among other features, the presence of neuritic plaques composed of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) and the loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, which innervate the hippocampus and the cortex. Studies of the pathological changes that characterize AD and several other lines of evidence indicate that Aβ accumulation in vivo may initiate and/or contribute to the process of neurodegeneration and thereby the development of AD. However, the mechanisms by which Aβ peptide influences/causes degeneration of the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and/or the cognitive impairment characteristic of AD remain obscure. Using in vitro slice preparations, we have recently reported that Aβ-related peptides, under acute conditions, potently inhibit K⁺-evoked endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) release from hippocampus and cortex but not from striatum. In the present study, we have further characterized Aβ-mediated inhibition of ACh release and also measured the effects of these peptides on choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) in hippocampal, cortical, and striatal regions of the rat brain. Aβ_1–40 (10^?8M) potently inhibited veratridine-evoked endogenous ACh release from rat hippocampal slices and also decreased the K⁺-evoked release potentiated by the nitric oxide-generating agent, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). It is interesting that the endogenous cyclic GMP level induced by SNP was found to be unaltered in the presence of Aβ_1–40. The activity of the enzyme ChAT was not altered by Aβ peptides in hippocampus, cortex, or striatum. HACU was reduced significantly by various Aβ peptides (10^?14 to 10^?6M) in hippocampal and cortical synaptosomes. However, the uptake of choline by striatal synaptosomes was altered only at high concentration of Aβ (10^?6M). Taken together, these results indicate that Aβ peptides, under acute conditions, can decrease endogenous ACh release and the uptake of choline but exhibit no effect on ChAT activity. In addition, the evidence that Aβ peptides target primarily the hippocampus and cortex provides a potential mechanistic framework suggesting that the preferential vulnerability of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and their projections in AD could relate, at least in part, to their sensitivity to Aβ peptides.     

Nanomolar Amyloid β Protein-Induced Inhibition of Cellular Redox Activity in Cultured Astrocytes

Abstract: It has been previously reported that Alzheimer's amyloid β protein (Aβ) induces reactive astrocytosis in culture. In the present study, we found that Aβ potently inhibits cellular redox activity of cultured astrocytes, as determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay. The following comparative studies revealed several differences between these two actions of Aβ on astrocytes. First, Aβ-induced reactive morphological change was suppressed by the presence of serum or thrombin, and Aβ inhibition of cellular redox activity was observed in either the presence or the absence of serum. Second, micromolar concentrations (10 µ M or more) were required for Aβ to induce reactive astrocytosis, whereas nanomolar concentrations (0.1–100 n M ) were sufficient to inhibit cellular redox activity. Third, the effect of micromolar Aβ was virtually irreversible, but nanomolar Aβ-induced inhibition of cellular redox activity was reversed by washing out Aβ. Furthermore, as it has been reported that Aβ neurotoxicity is mediated by reactive oxygen species, we also examined if similar mechanisms are involved in astrocytic response to Aβ. However, neither Aβ-induced morphological change nor inhibition of redox activity was blocked by antioxidants, suggesting that these effects are not caused by oxidative stress.     

The Up-Regulation of Endosomal-Lysosomal Components in Amyloid β-Resistant Cells

The abundance of amyloid beta peptide (A beta) and the selective loss of neurons are characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. However, subpopulations of brain cells survive, including neurons near A beta-rich plaques. The surviving neurons may have gene expression profiles that allow them to be resistant to A beta toxicity. Here we use the differential display technique to compare the profiles of gene expression in an A beta-resistant cell line with its parental cells. Prominent among the changes are two components of the endosomal-lysosomal system, insulin growth factor II receptor/mannose-6-phosphate receptor and arylsulfatase B. Both are more highly expressed in the A beta-resistant clone, and arylsulfatase is inducible by A beta and hydrogen peroxide. Another lysosomal enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, is also up-regulated in A beta-resistant cells. These results are consistent with the observation that the endosomal-lysosomal system is highly activated in Alzheimer's disease brains, and they raise the possibility that the high expression of endosomal-lysosomal components is important for neuronal survival in the presence of A beta.     

Rapid Degeneration of Cultured Human Brain Pericytes by Amyloid β Protein

Abstract: Amyloid β protein (Aβ) deposition in the cerebral arterial and capillary walls is one of the major characteristics of brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type (HCHWA-D). Vascular Aβ deposition is accompanied by degeneration of smooth muscle cells and pericytes. In this study we found that Aβ_1–40 carrying the "Dutch" mutation (HCHWA-D Aβ_1–40) as well as wild-type Aβ_1–42 induced degeneration of cultured human brain pericytes and human leptomeningeal smooth muscle cells, whereas wild-type Aβ_1–40 and HCHWA-D Aβ_1–42 were inactive. Cultured brain pericytes appeared to be much more vulnerable to Aβ-induced degeneration than leptomeningeal smooth muscle cells, because in brain pericyte cultures cell viability already decreased after 2 days of exposure to HCHWA-D Aβ_1–40, whereas in leptomeningeal smooth muscle cell cultures cell death was prominent only after 4–5 days. Moreover, leptomeningeal smooth muscle cell cultures were better able to recover than brain pericyte cultures after short-term treatment with HCHWA-D Aβ_1–40. Degeneration of either cell type was preceded by an increased production of cellular amyloid precursor protein. Both cell death and amyloid precursor protein production could be inhibited by the amyloid-binding dye Congo red, suggesting that fibril assembly of Aβ is crucial for initiating its destructive effects. These data imply an important role for Aβ in inducing perivascular cell pathology as observed in the cerebral vasculature of patients with Alzheimer's disease or HCHWA-D.     

Proteasome Contributes to the α-Secretase Pathway of Amyloid Precursor Protein in Human Cells

Abstract: A major histopathological hallmark in Alzheimer's disease consists of the extracellular deposition of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) that is proteolytically derived from the β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP). An alternative, nonamyloidogenic cleavage, elicited by a protease called α-secretase, occurs inside the Aβ sequence and gives rise to APPα, a major secreted C-terminal-truncated form of βAPP. Here, we demonstrate that human embryonic kidney 293 (HK293) cells contain a chymotryptic-like activity that can be ascribed to the proteasome and that selective inhibitors of this enzyme reduce the phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate-sensitive APPα secretion by these cells. Furthermore, we establish that a specific proteasome blocker, lactacystin, also induces increased secretion of Aβ peptide in stably transfected HK293 cells overexpressing wild-type βAPP751. Altogether, this study represents the first identification of a proteolytic activity, namely, the proteasome, contributing likely through yet unknown intracellular relays, to the α-secretase pathway in human cells.     

Amyloid β-Protein Induces Its Own Production in Cultured Degenerating Cerebrovascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract: The progression of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders involves amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposition and pathologic changes in the parenchyma as well as cerebral blood vessels. The cerebrovascular Aβ deposits in these disorders are associated with degenerating smooth muscle cells in the vessel wall, which have been shown to express the Aβ precursor (AβPP) and Aβ. Here, we show that Aβ_1–42, an abundant cerebrovascular form of Aβ, causes cellular degeneration in cultured human cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells. This stress response is accompanied by a striking increase in the levels of cellular AβPP and soluble Aβ peptide produced in these degenerating cells. These data provide the first experimental evidence that Aβ can potentially contribute to the onset and progression of the cerebrovascular pathology. The present findings suggest that this mechanism may involve a molecular cascade with a novel product-precursor relationship that results in the adverse production and subsequent accumulation of Aβ.     

Amyloid β Protein (25–35) Stimulation of Phospholipase C in LA-N-2 Cells

Abstract: The amyloid β protein (25–35) stimulated appearance of ³H-inositol phosphates from [³H]inositol-prelabeled LA-N-2 cells was investigated. This stimulation was unaltered by extra- and intracellular calcium chelators in a calcium-free medium or by several protein kinase inhibitors. This phospholipase C stimulation by amyloid β protein appeared to be pertussis toxin sensitive. It is possible that this phospholipase C stimulation by amyloid β protein is a receptor-mediated process. This possibility is based on two related observations. The stimulation is ablated by the presence of conventional antagonists for metabotropic, adrenergic, and bombesin agonists. The IC₅₀ values were 12 µ M for propranolol, 15 µ M for AP-3, and 25 n M for [Tyr⁴, d -Phe¹²]bombesin. Additional support comes from results of densensitization and resensitization experiments. Amyloid β protein stimulation of phospholipase C was absent from LA-N-2 cells previously treated with norepinephrine, trans -1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (t-ACPD), bombesin, or amyloid β peptide. In a similar manner, LA-N-2 cells previously treated with amyloid β protein were no longer responsive to norepinephrine, t-ACPD, or bombesin. The responsiveness to amyloid β protein returned, subsequent to a period of resensitization for the individual agonists. It is suggested that this observed amyloid β protein stimulation of phospholipase C may be responsible for the elevated quantity of inositol seen in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients.     

Presenilin 1 Mutations Linked to Familial Alzheimer's Disease Increase the Intracellular Levels of Amyloid β-Protein 1–42 and Its N-Terminally Truncated Variant(s) Which Are Generated at Distinct Sites

Abstract: Mutations in the presenilin genes PS1 and PS2 cause the most common form of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease. The influence of PS1 mutations on the generation of endogenous intracellular amyloid β-protein (Aβ) species was assessed using a highly sensitive immunoblotting technique with inducible mouse neuro-blastoma (Neuro 2a) cell lines expressing the human wild-type (wt) or mutated PS1 (M146L or Δexon 10). The induction of mutated PS1 increased the intracellular levels of two distinct Aβ species ending at residue 42 that were likely to be Aβ1–42 and its N-terminally truncated variant(s) Aβx-42. The induction of mutated PS1 resulted in a higher level of intracellular Aβ1–42 than of intracellular Aβx-42, whereas extracellular levels of Aβ1–42 and Aβx-42 were increased proportionally. In addition, the intracellular generation of these Aβ42 species in wt and mutated PS1 -induced cells was completely blocked by brefeldin A, whereas it exhibited differential sensitivities to monensin: the increased accumulation of intracellular Aβx-42 versus inhibition of intracellular Aβ1–42 generation. These data strongly suggest that Aβx-42 is generated in a proximal Golgi, whereas Aβ1–42 is generated in a distal Golgi and/or a post-Golgi compartment. Thus, it appears that PS1 mutations enhance the degree of 42-specific γ-secretase cleavage that occurs in the normal β-amyloid precursor protein processing pathway (a) in the endoplasmic reticulum or the early Golgi apparatus prior to β-secretase cleavage or (b) in the distinct sites where Aβx-42 and Aβ1–42 are generated.     

pH-Dependent Binding of Synthetic β-Amyloid Peptides to Glycosaminoglycans

The seinile plaques found within the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the Alzheimer disease brain contain β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) fibrils that are associated with a variety of macromolecular species, including dermatan sulfate proteoglycan and heparan sulfate proteoglycan. The latter has been shown recently to bind tightly to both amyloid precursor protein and A/β, and this binding has been attributed largely to the interaction of the core protein of heparan sulfate proteoglycan with Aβ and its precursor. Here we have examined the ability of synthetic Aβ s to bind to and interact with the glycosaminoglycan moieties of proteoglycans. Aβ(1–28) associates with heparin, heparan sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate. The interaction of these sulfated polysaccharides with the amyloid peptide results in the formation of large aggregates that are readily sedimented by centrifugation. The ability of both Aβ(1–28) and Aβ(1–40) to bind glycosaminoglycans is pH-dependent, with increasing interaction as the pH values fall below neutrality and very little binding at pH 8.0. The pH profile of heparin-induced aggregation of Aβ(1–28) has a midpoint pH of approximately 6.5, suggesting that one or more histidine residues must be protonated for binding to occur. Analysis of the Aβ sequence reveals a consensus heparin-binding domain at residues 12–17, and this motif contains histidines at positions 13 and 14 that may be involved in the interaction with glycosaminoglycans. This hypothesis is supported by the following observations: (a) Aβ(13–17) binds tightly to a heparin affinity column at pH 4.0, but not at pH 8.0; and (b) an Aβ(13–17) in which histidine residues 13 and 14 have been replaced with serines does not bind to a heparin column at either pH 8.0 or 4.0. Together, the data indicate that Aβ is capable of binding to the glycosaminoglycan chains of proteoglycans, and such an interaction may be relevant to the etiology and pathology of Alzheimer's disease.     

Aggregation State-Dependent Activation of the Classical Complement Pathway by the Amyloid β Peptide

Abstract: Activation of the classical complement pathway has been widely investigated in recent years as a potential mechanism for the neuronal loss and neuritic dystrophy characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. We have previously shown that amyloid β peptide (Aβ) is a potent activator of complement, and recent evidence suggesting that the assembly state of Aβ is crucial to the progress of the disease prompted efforts to determine whether the ability of Aβ to activate the classical complement pathway is a function of the aggregation state of the peptide. In this report, we show that the fibrillar aggregation state of Aβ, as determined by thioflavin T fluorometry, electron microscopy, and staining with Congo red and thioflavine S, is precisely correlated with the ability of the peptide to induce the formation of activated fragments of the complement proteins C4 and C3. These results suggest that the classical complement pathway provides a mechanism whereby complement-dependent processes may contribute to neuronal injury in the proximity of fibrillar but not diffuse Aβ deposits in the AD brain.