REDUCTION OF BETA-AMYLOID PEPTIDE(42), IN THE CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID OF PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

In this clinical study, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) level of a novel form of the beta-amyloid peptide (A beta) extending to position 42 (A beta(42)) was determined in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as controls. In addition to measurement of CSF A beta(42) levels , total A beta peptides, microtubule-associated protein tau, and apoli poprotein E (ApoE) genotype were also assessed. It is interesting that CSF A beta(42) levels were found to be significantly lower in AD pati ents relative to controls, whereas total A beta levels were not, A bet a(42) has recently been shown to preferentially deposit in the brain t issue of patients with AD, suggesting that diminished clearance may ac count for its reduction in CSF. As previously reported, tau levels wer e increased in AD patients; however, neither A beta(42) nor tau levels were apparently influenced by the ApoE genotype.