Induced neuronal activity does not attenuate amyloid beta‐induced synaptic loss in vitro

R Kono, GL Kim, H Nagata, Y Ikegaya… - …, 2019 - Wiley Online Library
R Kono, GL Kim, H Nagata, Y Ikegaya, R Koyama
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports, 2019Wiley Online Library
Aim The accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) is one of the characteristics of Alzheimer's
disease. The excessive accumulation of Aβ has been suggested to result in a decrease in
the number of synapses. Although the number of synapses is generally modulated by
neuronal activity, whether neuronal activity affects Aβ‐induced synapse loss remains
unknown. Therefore, we addressed this question using a primary culture of hippocampal
neurons. Method The neuronal activity of cultured hippocampal neurons from mouse pups …
Aim
The accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) is one of the characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. The excessive accumulation of Aβ has been suggested to result in a decrease in the number of synapses. Although the number of synapses is generally modulated by neuronal activity, whether neuronal activity affects Aβ‐induced synapse loss remains unknown. Therefore, we addressed this question using a primary culture of hippocampal neurons.
Method
The neuronal activity of cultured hippocampal neurons from mouse pups was increased using the chemogenetic technique designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD). The cultured neurons were treated with Aβ, and synapse density was assessed by immunocytochemistry.
Results
Aβ decreased the synapse density probably by decreasing postsynapse. On the other hand, enhanced neuronal activity did not affect the synapse density significantly. However, there was a trend that enhanced neuronal activity increased especially presynapse density.
Conclusion
We found that enhanced neuronal activity did not affect Aβ‐induced synapse loss in vitro.
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