Presynaptic Cholinergic Dysfunction in Patients with Dementia

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1983.tb11311.x
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T13:15:32Z
• Authors: N. R. Sims; D. M. Bowen; S. J. Allen; C. C. T. Smith; D. Neary; D. J. Thomas; A. N. Davison
• Keywords: Cholinergic System

Abstract: Indices of presynaptic cholinergic nerve endings were assayed in neocortical biopsy samples from patients with presenile dementia. For those whom Alzheimer's disease was histologically confirmed, [ 14 C]acetylcholine synthesis, choline acetyltransferase activity and uptake all found to be markedly reduced (at least 40%) below mean control values. The changes occurred both the frontal temporal lobes for synthesis decrease similar under conditions high low neuronal (as assessed by incubations 31 mM 5 K + respectively). Samples other demented patients, histological features not detected, produced values three biochemical parameters which controls. total group dementia there correlations between markers suggestive a loss functional at these sites disease.