SERUM ALPHA(1)-ANTITRYPSIN AND ALPHA(2)-MACROGLOBULIN IN ALZHEIMERS AND BINSWANGERS-DISEASE

The deposition of beta(A4)-amyloid in senile plaques and small cerebra l vessels is one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Recent data suggest that protease inhibitors such as alpha(2)-macrogl obulin may be involved in the process of forming beta(A4) amyloid depo sits. Compared to 34 persons without neurological diseases, the serum content of alpha(1)-antitrypsin was increased in 16 patients with Alzh eimer's disease and 15 with Binswanger's disease. In the latter alpha( 2)-macroglobulin was also elevated in serum. Our results show no evide nce of a blood-borne origin of the protein or peptid deposited in the walls of small vessels in Alzheimer's or Binswanger's disease. Neverth eless, the elevated proteinase inhibitor concentrations may play a rol e in the pathogenesis of these diseases.