Linked Life Data

20388077

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/20388077

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6
pubmed:dateCreated
2010-4-14
pubmed:abstractText
The amyloid cascade hypothesis sustains that beta-amyloid (Abeta) is the main pathogenetic factor of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Although the direct and indirect neurotoxic role of Abeta are unchallenged, recent findings suggest that the peptide may have so far unforeseen physiological roles. In this regard, the observations showing the ability of Abeta to exert synaptic activities in absence of neurotoxicity are very intriguing. In particular, the peptide is able to affect synaptic transmission of different neurotransmitter systems in key brain areas that regulate executive and cognitive functions, an observation that points Abeta as a new neuromodulator. However, in a pathological context, Abeta may drive functional alterations of several neurotransmitter systems in the early phases of the disease, in turn producing subtle cognitive and behavioural disturbances in addition and before the well known neurodegenerative events. On the other hand, advancing age is the most significant risk factor for the development of AD. In fact, during aging increased Abeta levels have been reported. Moreover, several neurotransmitter systems undergo age-related changes in parallel to a decline of cognitive functions. However, the putative neuromodulatory role of Abeta in the context of aging is nowadays unknown. For these reasons, future studies about the spectrum of action of Abeta (brain areas and neurotransmitter systems affected) are particularly interesting since may suggest new therapeutic targets in order to sustain those functions which may be altered during aging.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
1873-4286
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Electronic
pubmed:volume
16
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
672-83
pubmed:dateRevised
2010-11-18
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2010
pubmed:articleTitle
Beta-amyloid: a disease target or a synaptic regulator affecting age-related neurotransmitter changes?
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Experimental and Applied Pharmacology, Centre of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Comparative Study, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't