Insulin-degrading enzyme in the Alzheimer's disease brain: prominent localization in neurons and senile plaques

The anatomical distribution of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) was studied i n normal and Alzheimer's disease (AD) human brains. By use of a monospecifi c, polyclonal antiserum against the enzyme we identified IDE antigen in mul tiple cortical and subcortical neurons. Glia did not show IDE immunoreactiv ity. In AD brains immunostaining appeared stronger than in controls and app eared not only in neurons but also in senile plaques. In a probable case of Lewy body variant of AD Lewy bodies in neurons of the Nuc. basalis of Meyn ert were immunopositive for IDE. Our anatomical data suggest that the enzym e is associated with typical neuropathologic hallmarks of AD and its expres sion appears up-regulated in some brain areas. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevi er Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.