TACRINE TREATMENT MODIFIES CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID NEUROPEPTIDE LEVELS INALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Biochemical and histochemical studies have demonstrated a widespread d eficit in the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (DAT). Multiple disturbances in sev eral transmitter systems have been found. The most consistent neuroche mical changes in DAT are reductions in the cholinergic system. The maj or pharmacological approach today in DAT is based on the cholinergic t heory assuming that acetylcholine has a major cortical impact on cogni tive processes. Tetrahydroaminoacridine (THA, tacrine) is a centrally active reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. A large number of tr ials have been performed in patients with DAT. This article was to eva luate whether THA treatment induced neuropeptide alteration in DAT bef ore and after 1 year on oral THA treatment.