Abstract
The neuropathological correlates of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. To study the interaction between Aβ and tau and their effect on synaptic function, we derived a triple-transgenic model (3xTg-AD) harboring PS1M146V, APPSwe, and tauP301L transgenes. Rather than crossing independent lines, we microinjected two transgenes into single-cell embryos from homozygous PS1M146V knockin mice, generating mice with the same genetic background. 3xTg-AD mice progressively develop plaques and tangles. Synaptic dysfunction, including LTP deficits, manifests in an age-related manner, but before plaque and tangle pathology. Deficits in long-term synaptic plasticity correlate with the accumulation of intraneuronal Aβ. These studies suggest a novel pathogenic role for intraneuronal Aβ with regards to synaptic plasticity. The recapitulation of salient features of AD in these mice clarifies the relationships between Aβ, synaptic dysfunction, and tangles and provides a valuable model for evaluating potential AD therapeutics as the impact on both lesions can be assessed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 409-421 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Neuron |
| Volume | 39 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jul 31 2003 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We thank P. Caroni for the Thy1.2 expression cassette; M. Hutton for the P301L cDNA; T. Fielder for microinjection of the transgene; C. Glabe for the A11 antibody; and E. Head for advice. J.D.S. was an exchange student from the University of Otago, New Zealand, supported by an Exchange Abroad Scholarship. This work was supported by a grant from the Alzheimer's Association (F.M.L.) and by National Institutes of Health grant AG17968 (F.M.L.).
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience