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Reduced levels of cholesterol, phospholipids, and fatty acids in cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer disease patients are not related to apolipoprotein E4.

Apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) has been identified as a major risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD). Previously it has been reported that levels of apoE are reduced in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD patients. Because it is known that apoE4 affects plasma lipid metabolism, we examined whether the presence of apoE4 might correlate with an altered lipid metabolism in the CSF of control subjects and AD patients. ApoE and lipid concentrations were determined in postmortem ventricular CSF of 30 neuropathologically confirmed AD cases and 31 age-matched control patients. ApoE genotyping was performed on frozen brain tissue of the same patients. In line with other reports, we found an increased APOE*4 allele frequency in the AD group (0.461) when compared with the control group (0.225). ApoE levels in CSF of AD patients were not significantly reduced when compared with the controls (mean +/-SD: 63+/-55 and 82+/-62 microg/dL for AD and controls, respectively). However, in the CSF of AD patients levels of free and esterified cholesterol (0.13+/-0.09 and 0.25+/-0.19 mg/dL, and 0.25+/-0.19 and 0.42+/-0.34, respectively), phospholipids (0.2+/-0.1 and 3.5+/-5.0 mg/dL) and, suprisingly, also fatty acids (4.5+/-3.2 and 28.0+/-18.5 micromol/L) were found to be significantly reduced. After correction for age, sex, postmortem delay, and pH the levels of phospholipids, fatty acids, and free cholesterol were still significantly reduced (p = 0.021, p = 0.026, andp = 0.012, respectively). The apoE and lipid levels in CSF of AD-and control patients appeared not to be affected by the number of APOE*4 alleles. In conclusion, our results suggest an altered lipid homeostasis in the brain of AD patients that is not related to the presence of apoE4. It is, therefore, unlikely that an effect of apoE4 on brain lipid metabolism is the underlying mechanism behind the role of apoE4 in the development of AD.

Aged↗

Characterization of transgenic mice expressing apolipoprotein E4(C112R) and apolipoprotein E4(L28P; C112R).

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), which is genetically polymorphic, is a constituent of different lipoproteins. Two variants, ApoE4(C112R) and ApoE4(L28P; C112R) have been linked to the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Transgenic mice carrying ApoE4(C112R) (AD71) and ApoE4(L28P; C112R) (AD61) were generated and compared to wild-type mice. The use of glial fibrillary acidic protein as promoter led to transgene expression mainly in glial cells but also in neurons. Transgene protein levels were approximately three-and-a-half-fold that of endogenous ApoE in the glial fibrillary acidic protein-ApoE4(C112R) (AD71) and nearly twofold in the glial fibrillary acidic protein-ApoE4(L28P; C112R) (AD61) mouse lines. Neither transgenic mouse differed from wild-type in cognitive tests at the age of approximately one-and-a-half years. The locomotor activity of AD61 mice was similar to controls, whereas AD71 mice exhibited a clearly reduced level of motor activity. Immunohistological and biochemical brain protein analyses revealed no difference between strains.Thus, in the absence of morphological changes over-expression of ApoE4(C112R) on a background of endogenous mouse ApoE, may result in behavioral deficits while for the ApoE4(L28P; C112R) transgene higher expression might be required or some compensatory mechanisms might protect these animals from the behavioral abnormalities.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Effect of carboxyl-terminal truncation on structure and lipid interaction of human apolipoprotein E4.

Apolipoprotein (apo) E4 has been identified as a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Recently, apoE4 was found to undergo proteolytic cleavage in Alzheimer's disease brains, resulting in neurotoxic C-terminal-truncated fragments. In this study, we examined the effect of progressive truncation of the C-terminal domain in apoE4 on its lipid-free structure and lipid binding properties. Circular dichroism measurements demonstrated that deletion of residues 273-299 or 261-299 significantly decreased the number of helical residues, suggesting that the C-terminal residues 261-299 have alpha-helical structure. Although the progressive deletions in the C-terminal domain appear to somewhat increase thermal stability, apoE4 (delta273-299) and apoE4 (delta261-299) showed stability similar to that of the apoE4 22-kDa fragment (residues 1-191) when denatured with guanidine-HCl, indicating that residues 192-272 have a negligible effect on the stability of the C-terminal-truncated apoE4. Comparison of Trp-264 fluorescence in single Trp mutants of full-length and C-terminal-truncated apoE4 (delta273-299) indicated that the C-terminal domain structure in the latter is both less organized and cooperative. In addition, comparison of the binding of the C-terminal-truncated mutants to a hydrophobic fluorescent dye and to lipid emulsions revealed that residues 261-272 create a hydrophobic site which is critical for lipid binding. These results suggest that removal of a hydrophobic C-terminal alpha-helical segment (residues 273-299) to create C-terminal-truncated apoE4 forms found in brain leads to less organized C-terminal structure while still retaining a second alpha-helical lipid-binding region (residues 261-272) that is available for interaction with cell membranes and other proteins such as amyloid beta peptide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Engineering conformational destabilization into mouse apolipoprotein E. A model for a unique property of human apolipoprotein E4.

Apolipoprotein (apo) E4 is a major risk factor for Alzheimer and cardiovascular diseases. ApoE4 differs from the two other common isoforms (apoE2 and apoE3) by its lower resistance to denaturation and greater propensity to form partially folded intermediates. As a first step to determine the importance of stability differences in vivo, we reengineered a partially humanized variant of the amino-terminal domain of mouse apoE (T61R mouse apoE) to acquire a destabilized conformation like that of apoE4. For this process, we determined the crystal structure of wild-type mouse apoE, which, like apoE4, forms a four-helix bundle, and identified two structural differences in the turn between helices 2 and 3 and in the middle of helix 3 as potentially destabilizing sites. Introducing mutations G83T and N113G at these sites destabilized the mouse apoE conformation. The mutant mouse apoE more rapidly remodeled phospholipid than T61R mouse apoE, which supports the hypothesis that a destabilized conformation promotes apoE4 lipid binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Apolipoprotein E4 inhibits, and apolipoprotein E3 promotes neurite outgrowth in cultured adult mouse cortical neurons through the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein.

The apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) genotype is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the mechanism is unknown. We previously demonstrated that apoE isoforms differentially modulated neurite outgrowth in embryonic neurons and in neuronal cell lines. ApoE3 increased neurite outgrowth whereas apoE4 decreased outgrowth, suggesting that apoE4 may directly affect neurons in the brain. In the present study we examined the effects of apoE on neurite outgrowth from cultured adult mouse cortical neurons to examine if adult neurons respond the same way that embryonic cells do. The results from this study demonstrated that (1) cortical neurons derived from adult apoE-gene knockout (apoE KO) mice have significantly shorter neurites than neurons from adult wild-type (WT) mice; (2) incubation of cortical neurons from adult apoE KO mice with human apoE3 increased neurite outgrowth, whereas human apoE4 decreased outgrowth in a dose-dependent fashion; (3) the isoform specific effects were abolished by incubation of the neurons with either receptor associated protein (RAP) or lactoferrin, both of which block the interaction of apoE-containing lipoproteins with the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). These data suggest a potential mechanism whereby apoE4 may play a role in regenerative failure and accelerate the development of AD.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Apolipoprotein E4 decreases whereas apolipoprotein E3 increases the level of secreted amyloid precursor protein after closed head injury.

Apolipoprotein E (apoE4) and head trauma are important genetic and environmental risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, apoE4 increases both the acute and chronic consequences of head trauma. The latter are associated with the deposition of amyloid-beta, which is particularly elevated in apoE4 subjects. The short-term effects of head injury are associated with transiently increased metabolism of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its secreted fragment, APPs. In the present study, we examined the possibility that the acute, short-term pathological effects of apoE4 following head trauma and the corresponding neuroprotective effects of apoE3 are related to isoform-specific effects of apoE on APP metabolism. Accordingly, male transgenic mice expressing human apoE3 or apoE4 on a null mouse apoE background and apoE-deficient and control mice were subjected to closed head injury (CHI). The resulting effects on brain APP, and on its secreted products, APPs and secreted product of the alpha-cleavage of APP (APPsalpha) were then determined 24 h following injury. Immunoblotting revealed no significant differences between the basal APP, APPs and APPsalpha levels of the hippocampus or the cortex of the control and the apoE3 and ApoE4 transgenic mice. The apoE-deficient mice also had similar cortical basal levels of APP and its metabolites, whereas their corresponding basal hippocampal APP and APPs levels were lower than those of the other groups. CHI lowered the hipppocampal APPs and APPsalpha levels of the apoE4 transgenic mice, whereas those of the apoE3 transgenic mice and of the control and apoE-deficient mice were not affected by this insult. In contrast, CHI raised the cortical APP and APPs levels of the apoE3 transgenic mice but had no significant effect on those of the other mice groups. These animal model findings suggest that the acute, short-term pathological effects of apoE4 following CHI and the corresponding neuroprotective effects of apoE3 may be mediated by their opposing effects on the expression and cleavage of cortical and hippocampal APP. Similar isoform-specific interactions between apoE and APP may play a role in the acute, short-term effects of head trauma in humans.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

Reduced cholinergic function in normal and Alzheimer's disease brain is associated with apolipoprotein E4 genotype.

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a potent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Since the loss of cholinergic function in Alzheimer's disease is known to occur at an early stage in the disease we have examined this function in normal subjects with an Apoepsilon4 allele to see if the deficit occurs in the absence of Alzheimer pathology or symptoms. We report that brain tissue obtained post-mortem from normal subjects and Alzheimer patients with an Apoepsilon4 allele has a lower cholinergic activity than tissue from those subjects without this allele. This has important significance for the interpretation of the cholinergic deficits found in Alzheimer's disease.

Aged↗

Age-dependent enhancement of hippocampal long-term potentiation in knock-in mice expressing human apolipoprotein E4 instead of mouse apolipoprotein E.

Human apolipoprotein E (apoE) comprises three isoforms, apoE2, apoE3 and apoE4, and apoE4 has been reported as a risk factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One of the clinical symptoms of AD is disorder of memory that has been suggested to be related with synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP). Here, we show the enhancement of hippocampal LTP at younger age in knock-in mice lacking mouse apoE, but instead expressing human apoE4. The enhancement of LTP in apoE4 knock-in mice is age-dependent, and it disappears in adult apoE4 knock-in mice. In apoE3 knock-in mice LTP is unaltered, thus human apoE4, but not apoE3, specifically modulates synaptic plasticity at younger age. Since basal synaptic transmission and distribution of glutamate receptors, as well as presynaptic functions, are intact in apoE4 knock-in mice, postsynaptic functional modification of LTP through lipid homeostasis is suggested. ApoE4 knock-in mice would be a useful animal model of human apoE4 carriers, and our finding that LTP is enhanced in younger apoE4 knock-in mice is in accord with the previous report showing higher intelligence in young human apoE4 carriers.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗

Introduction of human apolipoprotein E4 "domain interaction" into mouse apolipoprotein E.

Human apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) binds preferentially to lower density lipoproteins, including very low density lipoproteins, and is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. This binding preference is the result of the presence of Arg-112, which causes Arg-61 in the amino-terminal domain to interact with Glu-255 in the carboxyl-terminal domain. ApoE2 and apoE3, which have Cys-112, bind preferentially to high density lipoproteins (HDL) and do not display apoE4 domain interaction. Mouse apoE, like apoE4, contains the equivalent of Arg-112 and Glu-255, but lacks the critical Arg-61 equivalent (it contains Thr-61). Thus, mouse apoE does not display apoE4 domain interaction and, as a result, behaves like human apoE3, including preferential binding to HDL. To assess the potential role of apoE4 domain interaction in atherosclerosis and neurodegeneration, we sought to introduce apoE4 domain interaction into mouse apoE. Replacing Thr-61 in mouse apoE with arginine converted the binding preference from HDL to very low density lipoproteins in vitro, suggesting that apoE4 domain interaction could be introduced into mouse apoE in vivo. Using gene targeting in embryonic stem cells, we created mice expressing Arg-61 apoE. Heterozygous Arg-61/wild-type apoE mice displayed two phenotypes found in human apoE4/E3 heterozygotes: preferential binding to lower density lipoproteins and reduced abundance of Arg-61 apoE in the plasma, reflecting its more rapid catabolism. These findings demonstrate the successful introduction of apoE4 domain interaction into mouse apoE in vivo. The Arg-61 apoE mouse model will allow the effects of apoE4 domain interaction in lipoprotein metabolism, atherosclerosis, and neurodegeneration to be determined.

Animals↗

Monoclonal antibody against the polymorphic site distinguishes apolipoprotein E4 from other isoforms.

Apolipoprotein E4 has been confirmed as a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Although several hypotheses have been advanced to explain how the inheritance of apolipoprotein E isoforms affects the rate of Alzheimer's disease expression, the mechanism whereby apolipoprotein E is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is still uncertain. To clarify the way in which the apolipoprotein E4 isoform differs from the others, we generated a monoclonal antibody specifically reactive with the apolipoprotein E4 isoform. This antibody suggests that the polymorphic site is important in differentiating the ApoE4 isoform from others.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Secretion of the amyloid precursor protein is elevated isoform specifically by apolipoprotein E4.

Genetic studies suggest that the neuropathology and etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are associated with several genotypes including mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene and the allele E4 of apolipoprotein E (apoE). The present study investigated the possibility that cross talk interactions exist between APP and apoE and the extent to which they are affected by the apoE genotype. This was pursued by cell culture and immunoblot experiments utilizing neuroblastoma N2a cells in which the effects of distinct apoE isoforms on the levels of intracellular APP and of secreted APPs were determined. This revealed that treatment of the cells with apoE4, the AD risk factor, resulted in a marked increase in the levels of secreted APPs. This effect was dose dependent (ED50 approximately/= 2.5 microg/ml) and isoform specific in that apoE3 had virtually no effect on the secretion of APPs.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

Interaction of the N-terminal domain of apolipoprotein E4 with heparin.

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an important lipid-transport protein in human plasma and brain. It has three common isoforms (apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4). ApoE is a major genetic risk factor in heart disease and in neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's disease. The interaction of apoE with heparan sulfate proteoglycans plays an important role in lipoprotein remnant uptake and likely in atherogenesis and Alzheimer's disease. Here we report our studies of the interaction of the N-terminal domain of apoE4 (residues 1-191), which contains the major heparin-binding site, with an enzymatically prepared heparin oligosaccharide. Identified by its high affinity for the N-terminal domain of apoE4, this oligosaccharide was determined to be an octasaccharide of the structure DeltaUAp2S(1-->[4)-alpha-D-GlcNpS6S(1-->4)-alpha-L-IdoAp2S(1-->](3)4)-alpha-D-GlcNpS6S by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, capillary electrophoresis, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Kinetic analysis of the interaction between the N-terminal apoE4 fragment and immobilized heparin by surface plasmon resonance yielded a K(d) of 150 nM. A similar binding constant (K(d) = 140 nM) was observed for the interaction between immobilized N-terminal apoE4 and the octasaccharide. Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed a K(d) of 75 nM for the interaction of the N-terminal apoE fragment and the octasaccharide with a binding stoichiometry of approximately 1:1. Using previous studies and molecular modeling, we propose a binding site for this octasaccharide in a basic residue-rich region of helix 4 of the N-terminal fragment. From the X-ray crystal structure of the N-terminal apoE4, we predicted that binding of the octasaccharide at this site would result in a change in intrinsic fluorescence. This prediction was confirmed experimentally by an observed increase in fluorescence intensity with octasaccharide binding corresponding to a K(d) of approximately 1 microM.

Animals↗

Abnormal in vivo metabolism of apolipoprotein E4 in humans.

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is important in modulating the catabolism of remnants of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles. It is a polymorphic protein with the three common alleles coding for apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4. ApoE3 is considered the normal isoform, while apoE4 is associated both with hypercholesterolemia and type V hyperlipoproteinemia. We quantitated the kinetics of metabolism of apoE4 in 19 normolipidemic apoE3 homozygotes and 1 normolipidemic apoE4 homozygote, and compared this with the metabolism of apoE3 in 12 normolipidemic apoE3 homozygotes. In the apoE3 homozygous subjects, apoE4 was catabolized twice as fast as apoE3, with a mean plasma residence time of 0.37 +/- 0.01 d (+/- SEM) and 0.73 +/- 0.05 (P less than 0.001), respectively. When plasma was fractionated into the lipoprotein subclasses, the greatest amount of labeled apoE4 was present on very low density lipoproteins, while the largest fraction of labeled apoE3 was associated with high density lipoproteins. The plasma apoE concentration was decreased in an apoE4 homozygote compared with the apoE3 homozygotes (3.11 mg/dl vs. 4.83 +/- 0.35 mg/dl). The reduced apoE4 concentration was entirely due to a decreased apoE4 residence time in the apoE4 homozygote (0.36 d vs. 0.73 +/- 0.05 d for apoE3 in apoE3 homozygotes). These results indicate that apoE4 is kinetically different than apoE3, and suggest that the presence of apoE4 in hypercholesterolemic and type V hyperlipoproteinemic individuals may play an important pathophysiological role in the development of these dyslipoproteinemias.

Adolescent↗

No evidence for cholinergic problems in apolipoprotein E knockout and apolipoprotein E4 transgenic mice.

The varepsilon4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene constitutes the major genetic risk factor to develop Alzheimer's disease. If and how this protein contributes to the pathological cascade of Alzheimer's disease is not known. The varepsilon4 allele particularly affects the cholinergic defect, which is one of the most consistent neurotransmitter problems in an Alzheimer's disease brain. We have analysed several parameters of the cholinergic system in brain of apolipoprotein E knockout mice as well as in transgenic mice overexpressing human apolipoprotein E4. We analysed the distribution of cholinergic fibers, the number and morphology of cholinergic neurons and the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase in different brain regions. Finally, we analysed the distribution and the binding parameters of [3H]hemicholinium-3, a specific marker for the high affinity choline transporter in different brain sections and regions. This extensive effort failed to show any consistent difference in the cholinergic parameters studied, in either the apolipoprotein E4 transgenic mice or in the apolipoprotein E knockout mice, compared to age-matched non-transgenic mice. We conclude that the apolipoprotein E4 is not deleterious per se for the cholinergic system in mouse brain.

Acetylcholine↗

Apolipoprotein E4 phenotype is not an important risk factor for coronary heart disease or stroke in elderly subjects.

The allele e4 (apo e4) of apolipoprotein E (apo E) has been associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) in cross-sectional studies in middle-aged subjects. We investigated the risk of CHD and stroke with respect to the number of apo e4 alleles in a prospective study of a Finnish nondiabetic cohort including 1067 subjects 65 to 74 years old at baseline. During the 3.5-year follow-up, CHD mortality was 2.8%, total CHD incidence 6.9%, and the cumulative occurrence of CHD (prevalence at baseline and the 3.5-year incidence combined) 17.0%. The incidence of stroke was 3.4%, and the cumulative occurrence of stroke was 6.0%. The CHD mortality was 3.4% in subjects with no apo e4 allele (n = 734), 1.7% in those with one apo e4 allele (n = 296), and 0% in subjects with two apo e4 alleles (n = 37) (P = NS between the three groups). The incidence of CHD according to the number of apo e4 alleles was 6.9% (no apo e4 alleles), 7.4% (one apo e4 allele), and 2.7% (two apo e4 alleles), and the cumulative occurrence of CHD was 16.5%, 18.6%, and 13.5%, respectively (P = NS). The incidence of stroke was 3.8% in subjects with no apo e4 allele, 2.7% in those with one apo e4 allele, and 0% in those with two apo e4 alleles (P = NS). The cumulative occurrence of stroke was 6.0%, 6.4%, and 2.7%, respectively (P = NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

Aging and genetic variation of plasma apolipoproteins. Relative loss of the apolipoprotein E4 phenotype in centenarians.

We determined the common polymorphism of apolipoprotein E (E2, E3, and E4), apolipoprotein B Xba I polymorphism, and apolipoprotein C-III Sst I polymorphism in almost all Finnish centenarians alive in 1991 (n = 179/185). Plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels in different apolipoprotein genotypes were also measured. In comparison with younger Finnish populations studied previously, the frequency of the apolipoprotein E epsilon 2 allele was almost twice as high (7.0% versus 4.1%; P < .05) and that of the epsilon 4 allele only approximately one third as high (8.4% versus 22.7%; P < .001) in the centenarians. Plasma cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels tended to be lowest in the group with the epsilon 2 allele (4.33 mmol/L and 1.41 mmol/L, respectively), intermediate in those with the epsilon 3 allele (4.57 mmol/L and 1.48 mmol/L, respectively), and highest in those with the epsilon 4 allele (4.82 mmol/L and 1.60 mmol/L, respectively). The frequencies of the apolipoprotein B X1 and X2 alleles (Xba I restriction site absent or present, respectively) among the centenarians and among the young Finns were not significantly different, whereas the apolipoprotein C-III S2 allele (Sst I restriction site present) occurred more often in the centenarians (frequency, 12.9%) than in the youngest reference population (frequency, 8.8%; P < .05). Centenarians with the apolipoprotein B X2X2 genotype and apolipoprotein E4 phenotype had a higher mean plasma cholesterol level than those with the X1X1 genotype and E2 phenotype (5.24 versus 3.43 mmol/L; P < .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Association of apolipoprotein E4 and haplotypes of the apolipoprotein E gene with lobar intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Conflicting reports in the literature exist with regard to the association of apolipoprotein E (apo E) alleles and lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We genotyped 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 5' upstream regulatory, exonic, and intronic regions of the apo E gene and performed genotype and haplotype association analyses. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled subjects with hemorrhagic stroke and matched them with 2 controls based on age, race, and sex. Each case was reviewed by a physician to determine case status and location of the ICH. Multivariate logistic-regression modeling with backward elimination was used to determine significant risk factors for lobar ICH. Associations at the genotype and haplotype levels and linkage disequilibrium were conducted according to standard statistical methods. RESULTS: Between May 1997 and December 2002, 315 cases of ICH were recruited, of whom 107 were lobar ICH cases matched to 205 controls. No association was found for apo E2, E3, or E4 with nonlobar ICH. Independent, significant risk factors for lobar ICH included apo E4, untreated hypertension, anticoagulant use, a first-degree relative with ICH, and < or =high school education (compared with >high school education). Treated hypercholesterolemia compared with "no history of hypercholesterolemia" was associated with a decreased risk of lobar ICH. Haplotype association analysis demonstrated a significant association of the apo E gene with lobar ICH among whites (P<0.0001) and blacks (P=0.0024). CONCLUSIONS: Apo E4 is independently associated with lobar ICH but not nonlobar ICH. Haplotypes of the apo E gene are associated with lobar ICH. Untreated hypertension is a risk factor for lobar ICH.

Alleles↗

Modulation of astrocytic activation by arundic acid (ONO-2506) mitigates detrimental effects of the apolipoprotein E4 isoform after permanent focal ischemia in apolipoprotein E knock-in mice.

Using homozygous human apolipoprotein E2 (apoE2) (2/2)-, apoE3 (3/3)-, or apoE4 (4/4)-knock-in (KI) mice, we have shown that delayed infarct expansion and reactive astrocytosis after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) were markedly exacerbated in 4/4-KI mice as compared with 2/2- or 3/3-KI mice. Here, we probed the putative causal relationship between enhanced astrocytic activation and exacerbation of brain damage in 4/4-KI mice using arundic acid (ONO-2506, Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd), which is known to oppose astrocytic activation through its inhibitory action on S100B synthesis. In all of the KI mice, administration of arundic acid (10 mg/kg day, intraperitoneal, started immediately after pMCAO) induced significant amelioration of brain damage at 5 days after pMCAO in terms of infarct volumes (results expressed as the mean infarct volume (mm(3)) +/-1s.d. in 2/2-, 3/3-, or 4/4-KI mice in the vehicle groups: 16 +/- 2, 15 +/- 2, or 22 +/- 2; in the arundic acid groups: 11 +/- 2 (P < 0.001), 11 +/- 2 (P < 0.001), or 12 +/- 2 (P < 0.001), as compared with the vehicle groups), neurologic deficits, and S100/glial fibrillary acidic protein burden in the peri-infarct area. The beneficial effects of arundic acid were most pronounced in 4/4-KI mice, wherein delayed infarct expansion together with deterioration of neurologic deficits was almost completely mitigated. The above results support the notion that the apoE4 isoform exacerbates brain damage during the subacute phase of pMCAO through augmentation of astrocytic activation. Thus, pharmacological modulation of astrocytic activation may confer a novel therapeutic strategy for ischemic brain damage, particularly in APOE epsilon4 carriers.

Animals↗