Membrane biophysics and mechanics in Alzheimer's disease

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Date

2010-05-01

Authors

Yang, Xiaoguang
Askarova, Sholpan
Lee, James C-M.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Mol Neurobiol

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neuronal loss, cerebrovascular inflammation, and accumulation of senile plaques in the brain parenchyma and cerebral blood vessels. Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), a major component of senile plaques, has been shown to exert multiple toxic effects to neurons, astrocytes, glial cells, and brain endothelium. Oligomeric Aβ can disturb the structure and function of cell membranes and alter membrane mechanical properties, such as membrane fluidity and molecular order. Much of these effects are attributed to their capability to trigger oxidative stress and inflammation. In this review, we discuss the effects of Aβ on neuronal cells, astrocytes, and cerebral endothelial cells with special emphasis on cell membrane properties and cell functions.

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Keywords

Amyloid-β, Alzheimer's disease, membrane properties, membrane order, membrane fluidity, membrane potential, cerebral endothelium, Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE::Microbiology, immunology, infectious diseases

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