Loss of high-affinity alpha 2-adrenoceptors in Alzheimer's disease: an autoradiographic study in frontal cortex and hippocampus.

We assessed, by quantitative autoradiography, the density of high-affinity alpha 2-adrenoceptors in hippocampus and frontal cortex sections from 18 patients dying with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in comparison with a control group of 13 matched cases. The full agonist [3H]bromoxidine (UK-14304) was used as a ligand. In AD brains, the specific binding of [3H]bromoxidine was markedly decreased both in frontal cortex, the reduction ranging from 55% on layer I (P less than 0.0005) to 40% loss on layers IV-VI (P less than 0.01), and in the hippocampus where the mean of alpha 2-receptor loss was 53% both for the CA1 (P less than 0.0005) and the dentate gyrus (P less than 0.005). This dramatic decrease in the density of functional, high-affinity alpha 2-adrenoceptors very probably reflects the neuronal loss described in locus coeruleus of AD brains. The important implications of these findings for the pharmacological treatment of AD are discussed.     

Post-ischemic synaptic plasticity in the rat hippocampus after long-term survival: histochemical and autoradiographic study.

The hippocampus provides a suitable area in the brain for the analysis of neuronal plasticity after application of a selective lesioning technique. Using histochemistry and autoradiography, we studied synaptic reorganization in the rat hippocampus with selective CA1 pyramidal cell lesioning caused by transient forebrain ischemia after long-term survival. An autoradiographic study was performed on second messenger systems ([3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, [3H]forskolin and [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate binding). One-hundred days after ischemia, depletion of CA1 pyramidal cells and marked shrinkage of the CA1 subfield was noted in spite of unaltered thickness of the CA3 band and of the dentate molecular layers. Although neuronal density in the CA3 region of animals killed seven days after ischemia was not different from the normal group, 78% of animals showed neuronal loss of 30-50% in the stratum pyramidale of the CA3b 100 days after recirculation. Sixty-seven per cent of animals exhibited supragranular mossy fiber sprouting in the dentate gyrus. However, CA3 neuronal loss did not correlate with mossy fiber sprouting. Succinic dehydrogenase was depleted in the CA1 100 days after ischemia, and animals with CA3 damage showed a reduction of succinic dehydrogenase activity in the CA3. In contrast to the unaltered acetylcholinesterase in the animals killed seven days after ischemia, high density bands of acetylcholinesterase activity in the stratum pyramidale of the CA1 were found to be broadened 100 days after ischemia. In the CA1 subfield, subnormal activity of [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate and [3H]forskolin binding were observed in spite of the depleted [3H]inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate binding. [3H]Forskolin binding in the hilus had increased by 62% 100 days after ischemia, although binding in the stratum lucidum of the CA3 and in the stratum moleculare of the dentate gyrus was unaltered. However, no visible supragranular increase in [3H]forskolin binding was observed. These results indicate that long-term survival after CA1 pyramidal cell depletion caused by transient forebrain ischemia induced the modulation of neuronal activity and synaptic rearrangements in the whole hippocampal formation.     

Chronic amitriptyline administration increases serotonin transporter binding sites in the hippocampus of aged rats

The effects of ageing and of chronic antidepressant treatment upon 5-HT transporter sites ([3H]paroxetine binding) in the rat hippocampus was examined. [3H]paroxetine binding to transporter sites was decreased with ageing in the hippocampus of control rats (38% decrease in dentate gyrus and CA4). Amitriptyline (10 mg/kg, i.p.) had no significant effect on [3H]paroxetine binding in 10 months old rats, but increased binding sites in 24 months rats in all hippocampal subregions (greatest increase of 109% in CA1 compared to saline controls). These data indicate an age-related decrease in hippocampal serotonin transporter sites and upregulation of these sites following 10 weeks of amitriptyline. The observed increase in transporter sites following amitriptyline may contribute to the general lower effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants with ageing.     

Septotemporal distribution of [3H]MK-801, [3H]AMPA and [3H]Kainate binding sites in the rat hippocampus

 The distribution of glutamate receptors in transverse hippocampal sections has been well investigated. However, in spite of the known septotemporal gradients of hippocampal connectivity no systematic studies exist about the distribution of glutamate receptors along the septotemporal (longitudinal) hippocampal axis. Therefore, in the present study this issue was investigated using receptor autoradiography for the [³H]MK-801, [³H]AMPA and [³H]Kainate binding sites. Hippocampi from 30-day-old rats were sectioned perpendicularly to their longitudinal axis, yielding a total of 25–30 equidistantly spaced autoradiographs for each hippocampus. For each section layer-specific concentrations of binding sites were calculated by the aid of a computerized image analysing system. The dependency of concentrations of binding sites on the septotemporal position was evaluated by regression analysis. Gradients of binding were confined to distinct hippocampal layers. Significant septotemporal gradients of [³H]MK-801 binding were observed in selected layers of CA1 and the dentate gyrus, a septal to temporal decrease of binding in the oriens and radiatum layers of CA1 being most prominent. For [³H]AMPA, significant septotemporal gradients of binding were restricted to layers of CA3, CA4 and the dentate gyrus, with values generally increasing from septal to temporal levels. The observed septotemporal gradients possibly reflect functional segregations along the longitudinal hippocampal axis and could be important for the comparability of ligand binding studies using transverse hippocampal sections or hippocampal slice cultures. Accepted: 2 April 1998     

Autoradiographic analysis of [H]ryanodine binding sites in rat brain: Regional distribution and the effects of lesions on sites in the hippocampus

Quantitative and qualitative autoradiographic methods together with lesion approaches were used to determine the distribution of [3H]ryanodine binding sites in rat brain and the neuronal localization of these sites in the hippocampus. In normal animals, levels of [3H]ryanodine binding sites ranged from a low of about 1 fmol/mg tissue in subcortical structures to a high of 12-18 fmol/mg tissue in subregions of the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb. Relatively high densities of sites (5-9 fmol/mg tissue) were also seen in the olfactory tubercle, most areas of the cerebral cortex, accumbens nucleus, striatum, lateral septal nuclei, pontine nucleus, superior colliculus and granule cell layer of the cerebellum. Specific binding was undetectable in white matter. In experimental animals, intracerebral injections of kainic acid caused neuronal degeneration and a near total depletion of [3H]ryanodine binding sites in the dentate gyrus and in fields CA1, CA2 and CA3 of the hippocampus. Injections of kainic acid that left dentate granule cells largely intact while destroying all neurons in field CA3 had no effect on binding sites in the dentate gyrus. However, these lesions substantially reduced the density of binding in field CA3, leaving a narrow band of sites outlining the position of the degenerated CA3 pyramidal cells. Mechanical knife-cut lesions that severed the granule cell mossy fiber input to field CA3 reduced the density of binding sites in the CA3 region. The results indicate that [3H]ryanodine binding sites in brain are heterogeneously distributed and suggest that a proportion of these sites in the hippocampus may be contained in mossy fiber terminals where a presumptive calcium channel/ryanodine receptor complex may be involved in the regulation of calcium mobilization and/or neurotransmitter release.     

Effects of aging on signal transmission and transduction systems in the gerbil brain: morphological and autoradiographic study.

The Mongolian gerbil was used as a model of aging because of its relatively short lifespan, genetic homogeneity and the fact that data had been collected previously. Furthermore, gerbils have been widely used in biomedical investigations of stroke and epilepsy. Age-related differences in signal transmission and transduction systems were investigated in brains of three-, 11- and 21-month-old gerbils by morphological and in vitro receptor autoradiographic studies. Morphometric analysis revealed a decreased number of neurons in layer III of the occipital cortex and also a decrease in cerebellar Purkinje cells in 21-month-old animals. However, no statistical differences were observed in the hippocampal formation, the dorsolateral striatum and layer III of the frontal cortex. Autoradiography was used to map muscarinic cholinergic (labeled with [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate), serotonin2 ([3H]spiperone), dopamine D2 ([3H]spiperone), adenosine A1 ([3H]cyclohexyladenosine), GABAA ([3H]muscimol), naloxone ([3H]naloxone), protein kinase C ([3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate), adenylate cyclase ([3H]forskolin), cyclic AMP ([3H]cyclic AMP) and L-type Ca2+ channels ([3H]PN200-110). Muscarinic cholinergic receptor and protein kinase C, cyclic AMP and L-type Ca2+ channels were significantly decreased in the cerebral cortex and/or in the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus in the 21-month-old group. Muscarinic cholinergic receptor and L-type Ca2+ channel binding sites were significantly reduced in the dentate gyrus. In contrast, protein kinase C was increased in this area in the 21-month-old group. Also, naloxone binding sites were increased in the CA3 subfield, hilus, dentate gyrus and molecular layer of the cerebellum in the 11- and 21-month-old groups. Muscarinic cholinergic, serotonin2 and dopamine D2 receptors and adenylate cyclase were significantly decreased in the striatum. On the other hand, adenosine A1 and GABAA receptors remained unchanged in the 21-month-old group. Although age-related histopathological abnormalities were only observed in the occipital cortex and in the cerebellum, alterations of signal transmission and transduction systems were noticed in all areas examined (e.g. cerebral cortex, CA1 subfield, dentate gyrus and striatum). These data indicate that changes in these receptors and binding sites may be related to dysfunction of learning and memory and to the loss of motor function. The aged gerbil model is a good system for studying aging and is of value for simulating aging after epilepsy and stroke.     

Septotemporal distribution of [3H]MK-801, [3H]AMPA and [3H]Kainate binding sites in the rat hippocampus

The distribution of glutamate receptors in transverse hippocampal sections has been well investigated. However, in spite of the known septotemporal gradients of hippocampal connectivity no systematic studies exist about the distribution of glutamate receptors along the septotemporal (longitudinal) hippocampal axis. Therefore, in the present study this issue was investigated using receptor autoradiography for the [³H]MK-801, [³H]AMPA and [³H]Kainate binding sites. Hippocampi from 30-day-old rats were sectioned perpendicularly to their longitudinal axis, yielding a total of 25–30 equidistantly spaced autoradiographs for each hippocampus. For each section layer-specific concentrations of binding sites were calculated by the aid of a computerized image analysing system. The dependency of concentrations of binding sites on the septotemporal position was evaluated by regression analysis. Gradients of binding were confined to distinct hippocampal layers. Significant septotemporal gradients of [³H]MK-801 binding were observed in selected layers of CA1 and the dentate gyrus, a septal to temporal decrease of binding in the oriens and radiatum layers of CA1 being most prominent. For [³H]AMPA, significant septotemporal gradients of binding were restricted to layers of CA3, CA4 and the dentate gyrus, with values generally increasing from septal to temporal levels. The observed septotemporal gradients possibly reflect functional segregations along the longitudinal hippocampal axis and could be important for the comparability of ligand binding studies using transverse hippocampal sections or hippocampal slice cultures.     

Evidence for the presence of a histaminergic neuron system in the rat brain: an immunohistochemical analysis

The binding of calcium antagonists in the rat hippocampal formation was studied using autoradiography. Hippocampal slices were labeled in vitro with [3H]PN 200-110. High densities of binding sites for calcium antagonists were found in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and in the CA3 subfield of the hippocampus. After ablation of the granule cells by local injection of colchicine a marked decrease in the number of [3H]PN 200-110 binding sites density was observed on these areas, while binding to other parts of the hippocampal formation and brain was spared. These results strongly suggest the localization of high densities of calcium channels to the granule cells of the dentate gyrus.     

Reduction of adenosine A1-receptors in the perforant pathway terminal zone in Alzheimer hippocampus

The cells of origin of the perforant pathway are destroyed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In rat the adenosine A1-receptors are specifically localized on the perforant path terminals in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. In the present study the density of A1-receptors in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients (n = 9) and non-dement controls (n = 3) has been investigated autoradiographically with [3H]8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine ([3H]CPDPX) as the ligand probe. In AD hippocampi binding of [3H]CPDPX was greatly reduced in the outer two thirds of the dentate gyrus molecular layer, likely due to the degeneration of the perforant path. Binding of [3H]CPDPX was not significantly altered in other parts of the AD hippocampus, e.g. the CA1 and the CA3, in spite of a pronounced cellular pathology and reduced N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor densities, assessed as strychnine insensitive [3H]glycine autoradiography. This contrasts with the presumed localization on dendrites of pyramidal neurons of A1 receptors within the CA1 and the CA3.     

Density and pharmacology of alpha5 subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors are preserved in hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease patients

The anatomical localization and pharmacology of alpha5 subunit-containing GABA type-A receptors in the human hippocampal formation of Alzheimer's disease patients were studied with an alpha5 receptor selective ligand, [3H]L-655,708 and compared to age-matched human controls. Autoradiographic analyses revealed a heterogeneous distribution of [3H]L-655,708 binding sites in CA1-CA3 areas with high levels in stratum oriens, stratum pyramidale and stratum radiatum contrasting with low levels in stratum lacunosum. The highest quantity of alpha5 receptors was found in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. This pattern of expression was identical in both hippocampus from control and Alzheimer's disease subjects. Quantitative studies demonstrated that the number of [3H]L-655,708 binding sites is well preserved in Alzheimer's disease with only a moderate reduction (25-30%) in the CA1 subfield and entorhinal cortex. Furthermore, saturation and competition experiments with [3H]L-655,708 and representative benzodiazepine site ligands revealed that alpha5 receptors in Alzheimer's hippocampus have an alpha5beta2/3gamma2 pharmacology and structure as in control human brain.Overall, the data reported here provide evidence for a specific expression and relative sparing of alpha5 subunit-containing gamma-aminobutyric acid type-A receptors in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's patients.     

Dissociation between changes in glutamate receptor binding sites and their coupling to phosphatidylinositol metabolism following intrahippocampal colchicine injection

Intrahippocampal colchicine injection produces a rapid death of granule cells and pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus in the rat. Under the appropriate assay conditions, [3H]glutamate labels the N-methyl-D-aspartate type of glutamate receptors while [3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate labels the quisqualate type. Unilateral injection of colchicine (15 micrograms) in the dorsal hippocampus did not produce any change in [3H]glutamate and [3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate binding in membrane fractions from the dentate gyrus or CA1 field contralateral to the injection side, at least up to 12 days after the injection. However, it produced a progressive decrease in the binding of both ligands in dentate gyrus and CA1 of the injected hippocampus. In the dentate gyrus the changes in binding as a function of time after the injection were biphasic with a rapid exponential decrease (t1/2 about 8 days for both [3H]glutamate and [3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate) until 12 days after the injection followed by a much slower decrease afterwards. A similar pattern was observed in CA1 although the changes in binding were smaller and delayed by about three days as compared to the dentate gyrus. Kinetic analyses of the binding at equilibrium were performed seven days after the injection and indicated that the changes in [3H]glutamate binding were due to a change in the maximum number of sites but not in affinity for the ligand.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Hippocampal adenosine A1 receptors are decreased in Alzheimer's disease

Previous studies showed that adenosine receptors of the temporal and frontal cortices were not affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we assessed the specific binding of [3H]cyclohexyladenosine to adenosine1 (A1) receptors in hippocampus from AD subjects and age-matched controls. By both particulate membrane and in vitro autoradiographic receptor binding methods we demonstrate that A1 receptors are significantly reduced by 40-60% in AD subjects. Scatchard analysis showed that maximum binding capacity (Bmax) was affected and there was no evidence for a change in the affinity of the receptor for the ligand (Kd). Receptor autoradiography revealed that although several regions including CA1, CA3 and deep layer of the subiculum were affected, the loss in A1 receptors was most prominent in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. In view of previous evidence indicating that these receptors are associated with the perforant pathway and dendritic fields of the CA1 and CA3 regions, our findings suggest loss of the presynaptic A1 receptors on axon terminals of extrinsic pathways including the perforant path and intrinsic pyramidal neurons which release glutamate.     

Distribution of [3H]MK-801, [3H]AMPA and [3H]Kainate binding sites in rat hippocampal long-term slice cultures isolated from external afferents

The distribution of ionotropic glutamate receptors in transverse hippocampal sections and along the septotemporal hippocampal axis can be correlated to hippocampal connectivity, in particular to area- and layer-specific termination zones of afferents. However, in isolated organotypic hippocampal slice cultures developing without extrinsic afferent input no systematic studies exist about the distribution of glutamate receptors. In the present study we used receptor autoradiography to examine [³H]MK-801, [³H]AMPA and [³H]Kainate binding sites in hippocampal slice cultures prepared from 6-day-old rats. After 24 days in vitro layer-specific concentrations of [³H]MK-801, [³H]AMPA and [³H]Kainate binding sites were compared to age-matched hippocampi in situ (P30 rats). An obvious difference between hippocampal slice cultures and hippocampi in situ was a changed distribution of binding sites among the hippocampal areas showing a relative increase of [³H]MK-801 and [³H]AMPA binding sites in CA3 as compared to CA1 and to the dentate gyrus in the cultures. In CA1, however, the relative layer-specific distributions of [³H]MK-801 and [³H]AMPA binding sites were identical in hippocampal slice cultures and in hippocampi in situ. Interestingly, layer-specific binding of [³H]Kainate in the cultures exceeded that in the hippocampi in situ 3–5 times. Moreover, in the cultures the binding of the three ligands varied systematically showing gradients along the ”superficiomembranal’’ axis. Cultures taken from different positions along the hippocampal axis differed with respect to concentrations of [³H]MK-801 and [³H]Kainate binding sites, but not of [³H]AMPA binding sites. The results suggest a massive sprouting and reorganisation of intrinsic projections in long-term hippocampal slice cultures. Accepted: 6 February 2001     

近交系小鼠海马结构兴奋性氨基酸受体密度的变化(英文)

应用定量放射自显影技术，以氚标配体MK－801、AMPA和KA分别标记NMDA、AMPA和KA受体，定量观察了七种近交系小鼠海马结构内兴奋性氨基酸受体的区域分布类型和受体密度变化．结果表明，海马CA1区含有高密度NMDA和AMPA受体，CA3和齿状回含高密度KA受体。三种受体在海马各区的分布类型无明显系间差异，而其受体密度存在着明显的系间差别。NMDA和AMPA受体在BALB.c鼠海马显示最高密度，而CPB-K鼠以上两种受作密度最低。KA受体在NMRI鼠海马显示最高密度，BA鼠其受体密度最低．这种受体密度的系间差异可能与近交系小鼠合成兴奋性氨基酸受体的基因调控不同有关。     

Regional and laminar distributions of alpha 1-adrenoceptors and their subtypes in human and rat hippocampus.

The distributions of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor and its subtypes (alpha 1A and alpha 1B) in human and rat hippocampus are analysed by quantitative receptor autoradiography. alpha 1-Adrenoceptors are labelled by [3H]prazosin. The alpha 1A subtype is visualized by [3H]prazosin after irreversible blockade of alpha 1B adrenoceptors with chloroethylclonidine or directly by [3H]5-methyl-urapidil. The alpha 1B subtype is investigated by [3H]prazosin binding in the presence of the alpha 1A antagonist 5-methyl-urapidil. Considerable differences in the regional and laminar patterns of alpha 1-adrenoceptors are found between rat and human hippocampi. The rat hippocampus is characterized by a low overall density and a rather homogeneous regional and laminar distribution. This is in contrast to the human pattern, which shows a much higher overall level of alpha 1 receptor density and a restriction of alpha 1 receptors to the CA3 region of Ammon's horn and the dentate gyrus. Moreover, alpha 1A and alpha 1B receptors of the human hippocampus are differentially distributed with the alpha 1A subtype concentrated in the hilus and lucidum layer of CA3, and the alpha 1B subtype concentrated in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. Additionally, the distribution of alpha 1 receptors is compared with the distribution of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptors. The subtype specific pattern is correlated with the distribution of glutamatergic systems in the human (but not in the rat) hippocampus. alpha 1A Receptor localization coincides with the target area of the mossy fibre system, and alpha 1B receptors are preferentially localized in the target area of the hippocampal associational fibres and partly of the perforant pathway. This result points to possible interactions between noradrenaline- and glutamate-mediated neurotransmission differentiated by topographically segregated alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes.     

老年性痴呆模型大鼠海马结构nNOS神经元的变化

目的　研究老年性痴呆模型大鼠海马结构nNOS神经元的变化情况。方法　用 15月龄老年Wistar大鼠以D 半乳糖腹腔注射 4周加上鹅膏蕈氨酸 (ibotenicacid ,IBO)脑内Meynert核注射造模 ,然后运用免疫组织化学方法检测大鼠海马CA1、CA3和齿状回nNOS神经元数目。结果　老年性痴呆模型大鼠海马CA1、CA3和齿状回nNOS阳性神经元数目及其积分光密度较正常老年组和正常青年组有明显减少的趋势 ,组间比较有差异显著性。结论　大鼠海马结构nNOS神经元的减少是老年性痴呆病的主要病理变化之一     

Increased expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptors in the hippocampus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

Malfunctioning of the GABA-ergic system has been postulated as a possible cause of epilepsy. We investigated changes in the mRNA expression of the GABA(B) receptor subtypes GABA(B)-R1 and GABA(B)-R2 and of GABA(B) receptor binding in the hippocampus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) compared with post-mortem controls. In patients with Ammon's horn sclerosis, significant decreases in [3H]CG54626A binding were observed in subfields CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus proper and the dentate hilus. On the other hand, both GABA(B) receptor mRNAs and receptor binding were enhanced after correction for neuronal loss in dentate granule cells and in the molecular layer, respectively, and the subiculum of patients with and without hippocampal sclerosis. These increases were even more pronounced when correcting the values for cell losses in the respective areas and indicated also increased expression of GABA(B)-R in the dentate hilus. Increased expression of both subtypes of GABA(B) receptors indicates augmented presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release as a possible protective mechanism in TLE.     

Hippocampal excitatory amino acid receptors in elderly, normal individuals and those with Alzheimer's disease: non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.

Quantitative receptor autoradiography was used to examine the density and distribution of [3H]kainic acid and [3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) binding sites in the hippocampal formation and parahippocampal gyrus obtained at autopsy from 10 Alzheimer's disease and eight normal control individuals. In control and Alzheimer's disease individuals, [3H]kainic acid saturation binding analysis in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus fitted a single-site model. Added calcium ions did not alter the density of [3H]kainic acid binding in the human tissues. These results suggest that calcium-sensitive high-affinity kainic acid binding sites are not present in the human brain in contrast to kainic acid receptors in the rat brain. [3H]AMPA binding was also slightly different in the human brain as compared to the rat, being greatest in the inner third as compared to the outer two-thirds of the dentate gyrus molecular layer. In both control and Alzheimer's disease individuals, [3H]kainic acid and [3H]AMPA binding densities were similar at anterior and posterior levels of the hippocampal formation. In Alzheimer's disease patients, there was a significant increase in [3H]AMPA binding in the infragranular layer. In some, but not all Alzheimer's disease patients, there was an increase in [3H]kainic acid binding densities in the outer half of the dentate gyrus molecular layer. The same individuals which exhibited an increase in [3H]kainic acid binding in the outer molecular layer also displayed increased [3H]AMPA binding in the hilar region. Similar alterations in [3H]kainic acid binding have been observed in rats which had received fimbria-fornix lesions, a model of chronic epilepsy and in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy. Advanced Alzheimer's disease patients are at risk of developing seizures. The results suggest that several factors including cortical and subcortical pathology and seizure activity may contribute to the alterations in [3H]kainic acid and [3H]AMPA binding observed in the hippocampal formation in Alzheimer's disease.     

Hippocampal neurons in pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease

In a previous study of hippocampal neurons in aging and AD [Lancet 344 (1994) 769], we demonstrated that the loss of neurons in the CA1 region was disease-specific and not related to aging. In the present study, we examined for loss of hippocampal neurons in preclinical AD, a period during which there are abundant amyloid deposits in the brain but no evidence of cognitive decline. We examined the postmortem brains of 33 subjects from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Using unbiased stereology, we estimated the total number of neurons in the granule cell layer, hilus, CA3-2, CA1, and subiculum of AD (n = 14) preclinical AD (n = 8), and age-matched control subjects (n = 11). The results from the present study confirm our previous finding of significant neuronal losses in the CA1 (48%), hilus (14%), and subiculum (24%) in AD [Lancet 344 (1994) 769]. However, we did not observe a significant loss of neurons in CA1 or any of the other subdivisions of the hippocampus in preclinical AD.     

Involvement of lipid peroxidation and inhibitory mechanisms on ischemic neuronal damage in gerbil hippocampus: quantitative autoradiographic studies on second messenger and neurotransmitter systems.

We investigated, to examine the involvement of lipid peroxidation and inhibitory mechanisms, a novel lipid peroxidation inhibitor (KB-5666) and a GABAA receptor-effector (pentobarbital) on ischemic neuronal damage and the alterations in the second messenger and neurotransmitter systems in Mongolian gerbils by means of morphology and in vitro receptor autoradiography. Quantitative receptor autoradiography visualized binding sites for [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, [3H]forskolin, [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, [3H]isradipine (PN200-110), [3H]N6-cyclohexyl-adenosine, and [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate indicating binding sites for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, forskolin, protein kinase C, L-type calcium channels (or dihydropyridine binding sites), adenosine A1, and muscarinic cholinergic receptors, respectively. In the morphological study, KB-5666, 10 and 50 mg/kg, i.v., 5 min before ischemia, protected against ischemic neuronal damage to the hippocampal CA1 subfield following 5 min of bilateral carotid artery occlusion in a dose-dependent manner. Pentobarbital, 30 mg/kg, i.v., 5 min before ischemia, also had a protective effect. In receptor autoradiographic studies, all receptor bindings decreased significantly in the CA1 subfield seven days after ischemia. In particular, [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding in the CA1 subfield was completely lost after ischemia. [3H]Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and [3H]forskolin binding decreased as early as 6 h after ischemia. In the CA3 subfield, [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, [3H]PN200-110, and [3H]N6-cyclohexyladenosine bindings decreased seven days after ischemia. In the dentate gyrus, [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding decreased seven days after ischemia. KB-5666 and pentobarbital prevented reductions in these receptor bindings in the CA1 subfield at 6 h and seven days after ischemia. These results indicate that KB-5666 and pentobarbital protect the brain from both structural and functional damage after ischemia, and that lipid peroxidation and inhibitory mechanisms may play a pivotal role in the neuronal damage of the hippocampal CA1 subfield after ischemia.