Activation of microglia in the brains of humans with heart disease and hypercholesterolemic rabbits |
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| Authors: | W. J. Streit D. Larry Sparks |
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| Affiliation: | (1) Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida Brain Institute, P.O. Box 100244, JHMHC, 1600 SW Archer Road, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610–0244, USA, US;(2) Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Program, Justice Cabinet, Lexington, KY 40536, USA, US |
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| Abstract: | Activated microglial cells are concentrated in senile plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Such accumulations of activated microglia may contribute towards neurodegeneration via production of cytokines and free radicals. Studies suggesting a link between Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease led us to study microglia immunohistochemically, using monoclonal antibody LN-3, in age-matched nondemented humans with and without heart disease. Using a qualitative staging system for assessing morphological changes occurring in microglia, we found higher microglial activation in the brains of subjects with heart disease than in those without it. Lectin histochemical examination of brains from rabbits maintained on a high-cholesterol diet also revealed increased microglial activation and leukocyte infiltration. Collectively our observations from humans and rabbits suggest that hypercholesterolemia and heart disease accelerate brain aging, and that the formation of senile plaques may be the end result of progressive microglial activation that occurs with aging. Received: 8 October 1996 / Accepted: 4 November 1996 |
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| Keywords: | Alzheimer’ s disease Aging Senile plaques Amyloid High serum cholesterol Lectin staining |
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