Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2017, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (9): 1499-1506.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.215261

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Blocking beta 2-adrenergic receptor inhibits dendrite ramification in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Qin Wu1, 2, Jin-xia Sun2, Xiang-he Song2, Jing Wang2, Cun-quan Xiong2, Fei-xiang Teng2, Cui-xiang Gao2   

  1. 1 Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
    2 College of Medical Technology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Received:2017-08-20 Online:2017-09-15 Published:2017-09-15
  • Contact: Cui-xiang Gao,fudan_qinwu@126.com.
  • Supported by:

    This work was financially supported by the Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation of Jiangsu Province of China, No.sbl1202.

Abstract:

Dendrite ramification affects synaptic strength and plays a crucial role in memory. Previous studies revealed a correlation between beta 2-adrenergic receptor dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), although the mechanism involved is still poorly understood. The current study investigated the potential effect of the selective β2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, ICI 118551 (ICI), on Aβ deposits and AD-related cognitive impairment. Morris water maze test results demonstrated that the performance of AD-transgenic (TG) mice treated with ICI (AD-TG/ICI) was significantly poorer compared with NaCl-treated AD-TG mice (AD-TG/NaCl), suggesting that β2-adrenergic receptor blockage by ICI might reduce the learning and memory abilities of mice. Golgi staining and immunohistochemical staining revealed that blockage of the β2-adrenergic receptor by ICI treatment decreased the number of dendritic branches, and ICI treatment in AD-TG mice decreased the expression of hippocampal synaptophysin and synapsin 1. Western blot assay results showed that the blockage of β2-adrenergic receptor increased amyloid-β accumulation by downregulating hippocampal α-secretase activity and increasing the phosphorylation of amyloid precursor protein. These findings suggest that blocking the β2-adrenergic receptor inhibits dendrite ramification of hippocampal neurons in a mouse model of AD.
 

Key words: nerve regeneration, neurodegeneration, beta-2 adrenergic receptor, Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid-β, ICI 118551, cognitive function;dendrite ramification, synapsin 1, synaptophysin, α-secretase, amyloid precursor protein, neural regeneration