Impaired neurotransmitter systems by Aβ amyloidosis in APPsw transgenic mice overexpressing amyloid β protein precursor

APPsw transgenic mice showing substantial features of brain A beta amyloidosis such as senile plaques and behavioral abnormalities were examined by immunostaining to determine whether A beta deposits could induce the subsequent disturbance of neurotransmitter systems including somatostatin, substance P and choline acety]transferase (ChAT), which are prominent in the Alzheimer's disease brain. Somatostatin, substance P and ChAT disappeared in the areas of senile plaque and were accumulated in dystrophic neurites around the amyloid cores. These findings suggest a potential role of brain A beta amyloidosis in disturbance of the neurotransmitter systems leading to memory disturbance of Alzheimer's disease. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.