CELLULAR ASPECTS OF THE INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Cerebral amyloid beta protein deposition in Alzheimer's disease is ass ociated;with a predominantly local acute phase response that kindles r elease of various inflammatory and immune system mediators. The molecu lar events are accompanied by a profound cellular response which is la rgely orchestrated by microglia. Current evidence suggests microglia a re primarily involved in phagocytic activity and may be responsible fo r inducing further neuronal damage by generating reactive oxygen speci es and proteolytic enzymes. Antiinflammatory measures that target comp lement activation as well as microglial-mediated oxidative damage woul d provide rational therapeutic strategies. (C) 1996 Academic Press Lim ited