Effect of calcium and cadmium ions on amyloid beta peptide 1-42 channel activity

摘要

Heavy metals are known to pollute the environment and can be taken up by the organism in food. They can accumulate within organs and tissues, with sometimes dramatic effects. Heavy-metal accumulation in the brain seems to be involved in neuro-degenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent reports have shown the presence of heavy metals in senile plaques, hallmarks of AD, constituted of AbetaP1-40 and AbetaP1-42 peptide deposits. There is increasing evidence that heavy metals can interact with amyloid beta peptides, contributing to the neurodegenerative events of AD. In this study, we analyse AbetaP1-42 incorporation and channel formation in planar lipid membranes (PLMs) and the effects of calcium and cadmium ions on AbetaP1-42 channel activity.