| First Author | Busche MA | Year | 2008 |
| Journal | Science | Volume | 321 |
| Issue | 5896 | Pages | 1686-9 |
| PubMed ID | 18802001 | Mgi Jnum | J:139645 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:3809325 | Doi | 10.1126/science.1162844 |
| Citation | Busche MA, et al. (2008) Clusters of hyperactive neurons near amyloid plaques in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Science 321(5896):1686-9 |
| abstractText | The neurodegeneration observed in Alzheimer's disease has been associated with synaptic dismantling and progressive decrease in neuronal activity. We tested this hypothesis in vivo by using two-photon Ca2+ imaging in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Although a decrease in neuronal activity was seen in 29% of layer 2/3 cortical neurons, 21% of neurons displayed an unexpected increase in the frequency of spontaneous Ca2+ transients. These 'hyperactive' neurons were found exclusively near the plaques of amyloid beta-depositing mice. The hyperactivity appeared to be due to a relative decrease in synaptic inhibition. Thus, we suggest that a redistribution of synaptic drive between silent and hyperactive neurons, rather than an overall decrease in synaptic activity, provides a mechanism for the disturbed cortical function in Alzheimer's disease. |
