Institute of Neurobiology and Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nursing College of Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China

Abstract 

Objective
To investigate the relations between neuroapoptosis and the onset and development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), especially the role of NF-κB in the regulation of neuroapoptosis.
Methods
Caspase-3 and NF-κB (p50) expressions in the CA3 region of the hippocampus in APPswe Tg2576 transgenic mice were studied from postnatal day 0-180, using Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR Methods.
Results
Both neuronal apoptosis and NF-κB activity decreased gradually with the increase of age in wild type and Tg2576 mice. However, the number of caspase-3-positive or NF-κB-positive pyramidal cells in Tg2576 mice was greater than that in age-matched wild type mice, with significant differences after postnatal day 14 (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Linear regression analyses of caspase-3 and NF-κB expression demonstrated a correlation between neuroapoptosis and activity of NF-κB.
Conclusion
The process of neuroapoptosis is consistent with the onset and development of AD. Furthermore, the observed correlation between neuroapoptosis and NF-κB activity suggests a role of NF-κB in hippocampal neuroapoptosis.

Keywords

Alzheimer’s disease; Tg2576 transgenic mice; caspase-3; hippocampus; apoptosis; NF-κB

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