Cortical alterations of angiotensin converting enzyme, angiotensin II and AT1 receptor in Alzheimer's dementia

We investigated the immunohistochemical alterations of angiotensin converti ng enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II and ATI receptor in the parietal cortex in Alzheimer's dementia (AD) to reveal the contributive role of the brain reni n-angiotensin system in the disease process. In controls. ACE, angiotensin II and ATI immunoreactivities were localized to pyramidal neurons of the co rtex. The staining intensity was distinctly increased in AD for all three a ntigens, involving predominantly cortical layer V, which may reflect the en hanced brain renin-angiotensin system activity in the disease process. In a ddition, a prominent perivascular ACE and angiotensin II immunoreactivity s urrounding some cortical vessels in aged controls and AD patients points to an underlying microvascular pathology in the process of neurodegeneration, (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.