RELEVANCE OF THE QUANTIFICATION OF APOLIPOPROTEIN-E IN THE CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Apolipoprotein E (Apo E), one of the major structural and functional a polipoproteins, has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of Al zheimer's disease (AD). Several studies revealed that Apo E4 isoform i s associated with the pathogenic process in AD. A significant reductio n of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Apo E level in AD patients has been rep orted in two studies. To further investigate the physiopathological si gnificance of such a variation of Apo E concentration in the CSF, we p erformed a quantification of Apo E by an enzyme linked immunosorbent a ssay (ELISA). There were no significant differences in CSF Apo E level between AD cases and control subjects or patients suffering from othe r neurological diseases. Gender, age and Apo E phenotype explained non e of CSF Apo E concentration variability.