Examination of potential mechanisms of amyloid-induced defects in neuronal transport

Microtubule-based neuronal transport pathways are impaired during the progression of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. However, mechanisms leading to defects in transport remain to be determined. We quantified morphological changes in neuronal cells following treatment with fibrils and unaggregated peptides of beta-amyloid (A beta). A beta fibrils induce axonal and dendritic swellings indicative of impaired transport. In contrast, A beta peptides induce a necrotic phenotype in both neurons and non-neuronal cells. We tested several popular hypotheses by which aggregated A beta could disrupt transport. Using fluorescent polystyrene beads, we developed experimental models of physical blockage and localized release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that reliably induce swellings. Like the beads, A beta fibrils localize in close proximity to swellings; however, fibril internalization is not required for disrupting transport. ROS and membrane permeability are also unlikely to be responsible for fibril-mediated toxicity. Collectively, our results indicate that multiple initiating factors converge upon pathways of defective transport. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.