Work

Synchronous Hyperactivity and Intercellular Calcium Waves in Astrocytes in Alzheimer Mice

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Although senile plaques focally disrupt neuronal health, the functional response of astrocytes to Alzheimer's disease pathology is unknown. Using multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy in vivo, we quantitatively imaged astrocytic calcium homeostasis in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Resting calcium was globally elevated in the astrocytic network, but was independent of proximity to individual plaques. Time-lapse imaging revealed that calcium transients in astrocytes were more frequent, synchronously coordinated across long distances, and uncoupled from neuronal activity. Furthermore, rare intercellular calcium waves were observed, but only in mice with amyloid-beta plaques, originating near plaques and spreading radially at least 200 micrometers. Thus, although neurotoxicity is observed near amyloid-beta deposits, there exists a more general astrocyte-based network response to focal pathology.

Source: Science

DOI: 10.1126/science.1169096

Authors: Kishore V. Kuchibhotla, Carli R. Lattarulo, Bradley T. Hyman, Brian J. Bacskai

Institutions: Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Alzheimer's disease research and treatments

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Center for Research Resources