Human apoE4-targeted replacement mice display synaptic deficits in the absence of neuropathology.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
The human APOE*4 allele is associated with an early age of onset and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Long before the onset of AD, cognitive deficits can be identified in APOE*4 carriers. We examined neurons in the lateral amygdala of young apolipoprotein (apo) E3 and apoE4 targeted replacement (TR) mice for changes in synaptic integrity. ApoE4 mice displayed significantly reduced excitatory synaptic transmission and dendritic arborization. Despite these changes there were no signs of gliosis, amyloid deposition or neurofibrillary tangles in these mice. To our knowledge, this is the first study to suggest that cognitive deficits in APOE*4 carriers are due to inherent defects in synaptic function that appear prior to any age-dependent markers of neuropathology.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Wang, C; Wilson, WA; Moore, SD; Mace, BE; Maeda, N; Schmechel, DE; Sullivan, PM
Published Date
- March 2005
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 18 / 2
Start / End Page
- 390 - 398
PubMed ID
- 15686968
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0969-9961
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.nbd.2004.10.013
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States