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Current Alzheimer Research

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1567-2050
ISSN (Online): 1875-5828

Noradrenergic System in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease A Target for Therapy

Author(s): Cristy Phillips, Atoossa Fahimi, Devsmita Das, Fatemeh S. Mojabi, Ravikumar Ponnusamy and Ahmad Salehi

Volume 13, Issue 1, 2016

Page: [68 - 83] Pages: 16

DOI: 10.2174/1567205012666150921095924

Price: $65

Abstract

Locus coeruleus (LC) neurons in the brainstem send extensive noradrenergic (NE)-ergic terminals to the majority of brain regions, particularly those involved in cognitive function. Both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Down syndrome (DS) are characterized by similar pathology including significant LC degeneration and dysfunction of the NE-ergic system. Extensive loss of NE-ergic terminals has been linked to alterations in brain regions vital for cognition, mood, and executive function. While the mechanisms by which NE-ergic abnormalities contribute to cognitive dysfunction are not fully understood, emergent evidence suggests that rescue of NE-ergic system can attenuate neuropathology and cognitive decline in both AD and DS. Therapeutic strategies to enhance NE neurotransmission have undergone limited testing. Among those deployed to date are NE reuptake inhibitors, presynaptic α-adrenergic receptor antagonists, NE prodrugs, and β-adrenergic agonists. Here we examine alterations in the NE-ergic system in AD and DS and suggest that NE-ergic system rescue is a plausible treatment strategy for targeting cognitive decline in both disorders.

Keywords: Adrenergic system, Alzheimer’s disease, β-Adrenergic, Monoaminergic systems, Down syndrome, Dementia, Locus coeruleus.


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