Alzheimer beta-amyloid blocks epileptiform activity in hippocampal neurons

Sepulveda, FJ; Opazo C.; Aguayo, LG

Abstract

Several studies showed that hippocampal neurons respond with an increase in synaptic transmission after chronic blockade of GABAA receptors with bicuculline, a neuroplastic phenomenon likely associated to epileptiform states. Here, we tested the effect of Aß1-40 oligomers/aggregates, believed to be involved in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) genesis, on this type of synaptic plasticity. In the presence of bicuculline, the frequency of miniature currents increased from 1.2 ± 0.4 Hz to 3.1 ± 0.6 Hz (n = 6, *p < 0.05). Similarly, current amplitude increased from 45 ± 3 pA to 81 ± 11 pA (n = 5, *p < 0.05). These effects were completely inhibited in the presence of Aß1-40 aggregates. Data suggest that Aß aggregates exert their influence principally by blocking synaptic transmission and altering the transcriptional pathway associated with CREB-p. In conclusion, neurons exposed to aggregated Aß1-40 showed a reduced level of neuronal plasticity and this suggests that they might be acting as anti-epileptiform modulators. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Más información

Título según WOS: Alzheimer beta-amyloid blocks epileptiform activity in hippocampal neurons
Título según SCOPUS: Alzheimer ?-amyloid blocks epileptiform activity in hippocampal neurons
Título de la Revista: MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
Volumen: 41
Número: 4
Editorial: ACADEMIC PRESS INC JNL-COMP SUBSCRIPTIONS
Fecha de publicación: 2009
Página de inicio: 420
Página final: 428
Idioma: English
URL: http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1044743109000864
DOI:

10.1016/j.mcn.2009.04.012

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS