Linked Life Data

14503011

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/14503011

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6
pubmed:dateCreated
2003-9-23
pubmed:abstractText
In this paper we explore the potential functional role of the A beta peptides in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We begin by defining the morphology of the amyloid deposits in relation to surrounding glial cells and, more importantly, in relation to the brain vasculature. Amyloid accumulation in the brain's microvasculature causes disturbances in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and in larger arteries, impairment in control of regional cerebral blood flow due to myocyte degeneration. We postulate that the deposition of vascular amyloid may represent a hydrophobic protein plaster to seal leaks in the BBB, occasionally observed in aging and catastrophically common in AD. The vasoconstrictive activity of A beta may also be related to leaky vessels whereby decreasing the arterial diameter may also help to control breaches in the BBB. The admission of plasma neurotoxic proteins into the brain may be controlled by activation of microglia elicited by soluble A beta peptides creating a subtle, but permanent brain inflammatory reaction. We also delve into the influence that cholesterol metabolism may have in membrane topology and A beta production, and the close correlations that exist between cardiovascular disease and AD. Finally, we speculate about the possibility of a peripheral source of A beta that may, by crossing the BBB, contribute to the vascular and parenchymal deposits of A beta in the AD brain.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Sep
pubmed:issn
0161-6412
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
25
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
581-9
pubmed:dateRevised
2010-11-18
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2003
pubmed:articleTitle
A beta, aging, and Alzheimer's disease: a tale, models, and hypotheses.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't