Intraneuronal Aβ accumulation and neurodegeneration: lessons from transgenic models

Abstract

Aims: In the present review we summarize current knowledge on the concept of intraneuronal Aβ as a determinant for neuron loss and other pathological alterations in transgenic models for Alzheimer disease.

Main methods: We discuss the use of transgenic mouse and non-vertebrate transgenic models accumulating intracellular Aβ peptides and their impact on the ongoing discussion.

Key findings: Intraneuronal Aβ accumulation in transgenic models is intimately linked to pathological alterations including neuron loss. One of the technical caveats for visualizing intraneuronal Aβ is the antibody used to unequivocally demonstrate its presence. Very often antibodies were used that recognize both Aβ and APP, leading to false positive results due to misinterpretation.

Significance: Whereas a clear relationship between intraneuronal Aβ accumulation and neuron loss is evident in transgenic mouse models it remains an unresolved issue whether the concept of intraneuronal Aβ can be integrated into the human pathology as well.