BETA-AMYLOID (1-42) PEPTIDE IMPAIRS BLOOD-BRAIN-BARRIER FUNCTION AFTER INTRACAROTID INFUSION IN RATS

The effects of intracarotid infusions of beta-amyloid (1-42) peptide w as studied on the permeability of brain vessels. Using a quantitative Evans blue method a dose-dependent increase of brain tissue albumin co ntent was established following intracarotid injections of the peptide . Cerebral vessels of increased permeability were also demonstrated wi th a vital 'staining' technique. Lectin histochemistry revealed an alm ost complete abolition of specific lectin binding sites of affected en dothelial cells. The findings indicate a significant deterioration by beta-amyloid (1-42) peptide of blood-brain barrier function and sugges t that this may result from endothelial damage. It is assumed that alt ered permeability of cerebral vessels may be involved in the developme nt of brain pathologies associated with Alzheimer's disease. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.