Humanin attenuates Alzheimer-like cognitive deficits and pathological changes induced by amyloid β-peptide in rats

Amyloid beta-peptide (A beta) has been implicated as a key molecule in the neurodegenerative cascades of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Humanin (HN) is a secretory peptide that inhibits the neurotoxicity of A beta. However, the mechanism(s) by which HN exerts its neuroprotection against A beta-induced ADlike pathological changes and memory deficits are yet to be completely defined. In the present study, we provided evidence that treatment of rats with HN increases the number of dendritic branches and the density of dendritic spines, and upregulates pre- and post-synaptic protein levels; these effects lead to enhanced long-term potentiation and amelioration of the memory deficits induced by A beta(1-42). HN also attenuated A beta(1-42)-induced tau hyperphosphorylation, apparently by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Tyr307 on the inhibitory protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A) catalytic subunit and thereby activating PP2A. HN also inhibited apoptosis and reduced the oxidative stress induced by A beta(1-42). These findings provide novel mechanisms of action for the ability of HN to protect against A beta(1-42)-induced AD-like pathological changes and memory deficits.