EVIDENCE FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION OF ACUTE-PHASE RESPONSE APOLIPOPROTEIN SERUM AMYLOID-A IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE BRAIN

Acute phase serum amyloid A (A-apoSAA), but not constitutive apoSAA (C -apoSAA), was identified by Western blotting experiments in brain prot ein extracts from eight of nine patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) , one with a brain tumor and one with multiple sclerosis. A-apoSAA was not detected in six subjects with Pick's or Lewy Body disease or thre e other non-AD brain specimens. Apolipoprotein A-I and albumin were no t found in any of the brain protein extracts. A-apoSAA mRNA was detect ed in AD brain by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR). These data suggest that apoSAA is locally produced in AD brain a nd that investigation of the neuroinflammatory effects of this injury specific apolipoprotein is warranted. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Irelan d Ltd.