ASSOCIATION OF CHOLINESTERASES WITH AMYLOID IN EXTRACELLULAR NEUROFIBRILLARY TANGLES

Double-labeling techniques conclusively demonstrated that extracellula r neurofibrillary tangles immunoreactive for beta protein were also po sitive for cholinesterases. Ultrastructurally, cholinesterases decorat ed bundles of amyloid-like filaments, which appeared intermingled with straight filaments and cellular processes. A Lighter labeling of este rases was also seen over most straight filaments. These observations e xtend the consistent association of cholinesterases with fibrillary P- amyloid protein to a new location in neurofibrillary tangles. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.