Age-Related Changes in the Synaptic Density of Amyloid-β Protein Precursor and Secretases in the Human Cerebral Cortex

J Alzheimers Dis. 2016 Apr 18;52(4):1209-14. doi: 10.3233/JAD-160213.

Abstract

Amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) is involved in synaptic formation and function. In the human cingulate cortex, AβPP was preferentially located in the presynaptic active zone as in rodents, indicating a preserved subsynaptic AβPP distribution across species and brain regions. Synaptic AβPP immunoreactivity was decreased with aging in cortical samples collected from autopsies of males (20-80 years), whereas the synaptic levels of α-secretase (ADAM10) and β-secretase (BACE1) did not significantly change. Decreased AβPP levels may be related to lower allostasis of synapses in the aged brain and their greater susceptibility to dysfunction characteristic of the onset of neurodegenerative disorders.

Keywords: Aging; amyloid-β protein; human brain; sub-synaptic fractions; synapse; α-secretase; β-secretase.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / analysis*
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / analysis*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism
  • Cerebral Cortex / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Synapses / chemistry*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases