Decreased plasma insulin-like growth factor-I level in familial Alzheimer's disease patients carrying the Swedish APP 670/671 mutation

The plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) level was determined in fam ily members carrying the Swedish amyloid precursor protein (APP) 670/671 mu tation with or without Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in age-matched controls from the same family. Plasma growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) level s were also determined, Measurement of the plasma IGF-I level by radioimmun oassay revealed a significant reduction only in the family members with AD compared to age-matched controls. However, there was no significant differe nce in the levels of GH and PRL between the mutation carriers with or witho ut AD and their respective age-matched controls. These findings indicate th at the mechanism(s) regulating GH and PRL were preserved and those regulati ng IGF-I levels might be affected in AD patients with the Swedish APP 670/6 71 mutation, Copyright (C) 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel.