Beta-Amyloid Deposition and Alzheimer's Type Changes Induced by Borrelia Spirochetes

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2006 · Neurobiology of Aging

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2005.01.018· OSTI ID:929809

Miklossy, J; Kis, A; Radenovic, A; Miller, L; Forro, L; Martins, R; Reiss, K; Darbinian, N; Darekar, P

The pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) consist of {beta}-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in affected brain areas. The processes, which drive this host reaction are unknown. To determine whether an analogous host reaction to that occurring in AD could be induced by infectious agents, we exposed mammalian glial and neuronal cells in vitro to Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes and to the inflammatory bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Morphological changes analogous to the amyloid deposits of AD brain were observed following 2-8 weeks of exposure to the spirochetes. Increased levels of {beta}-amyloid presursor protein (A{beta}PP) and hyperphosphorylated tau were also detected by Western blots of extracts of cultured cells that had been treated with spirochetes or LPS. These observations indicate that, by exposure to bacteria or to their toxic products, host responses similar in nature to those observed in AD may be induced.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) National Synchrotron Light Source
• Sponsoring Organization: Doe - Office Of Science
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-98CH10886
• OSTI ID: 929809
• Report Number(s): BNL--80364-2008-JA
• Journal Information: Neurobiology of Aging, Journal Name: Neurobiology of Aging Vol. 27
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ANIMAL CELLS
BACTERIA
BRAIN
DISEASES
IN VITRO
LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDES
MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PROTEINS
national synchrotron light source