Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of cerebral plaques composed of 40- and 42-amino acid beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptides, and autosomal dominant forms of AD appear to cause disease by promoting brain Abeta accumulation. Recent studies indicate that postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy may prevent or delay the onset of AD. Here we present evidence that physiological levels of 17beta-estradiol reduce the generation of Abeta by neuroblastoma cells and by primary cultures of rat, mouse and human embryonic cerebrocortical neurons. These results suggest a mechanism by which estrogen replacement therapy can delay or prevent AD.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Alzheimer Disease
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Amyloid beta-Peptides / biosynthesis*
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Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / biosynthesis*
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Animals
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Cells, Cultured
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Cerebral Cortex / cytology*
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Coculture Techniques
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Embryo, Mammalian
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Estradiol / pharmacology*
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Fetus
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Humans
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Mice
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Neuroblastoma
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Neurons / cytology
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Neurons / drug effects
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Neurons / physiology*
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Peptide Fragments / biosynthesis
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Rats
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Recombinant Proteins / biosynthesis
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Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
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Transfection
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Tumor Cells, Cultured
Substances
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Amyloid beta-Peptides
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Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
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Peptide Fragments
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Recombinant Proteins
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amyloid beta-protein (1-40)
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amyloid beta-protein (1-42)
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Estradiol