Altered expression of synaptic proteins occurs early during progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Masliah, E; Mallory, M; Alford, M; DeTeresa, R; Hansen, L A; McKeel, D W; Morris, J C · Neurology · 2001

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

The expression levels of three synaptic proteins (synaptophysin, synaptotagmin, and growth-associated protein 43 [GAP43]) in AD cases clinically classified by Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score were analyzed. Compared with control subjects (CDR = 0), mild (early) AD (CDR = 0.5 to 1) cases had a 25% loss of synaptophysin immunoreactivity. Levels of synaptotagmin and GAP43 were unchanged in mild AD, but cases with CDR of >1 had a progressive decrement in these synaptic proteins. Thus, synaptic injury in frontal cortex is an early event in AD.

Medical subject headings