Evidence for glial-mediated inflammation in aged APP(SW) transgenic mice

Chronic expression of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6, by glia may underlie the n eurodegenerative events that occur within the brains of patients with Alzhe imer's disease (AD). The present study determined whether these markers of inflammation could be observed within the brains of Te(HuAPP695.K670N/M67 1 L)2576 transgenic mice (Tg2576) that have recently been shown to mimic many features of AD. Interleukin-1 beta- and turner necrosis factor alpha-immun opositive microglia were localized with thioflavine-positive (fibrillar) A beta deposits. Moreover, interleukin-6 immunoreactive astrocytes surrounded fibrillar A beta deposits. These findings provide evidence that Tg2516 mic e exhibit features of the inflammatory pathology seen in AD and suggest tha t these mice are a useful animal model for studying the role inflammation m ay play in this disease. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved .