Amyloid-β1-42 slows clearance of synaptically released glutamate by mislocalizing astrocytic GLT-1

Annalisa Scimemi, James S. Meabon, Randall L. Woltjer, Jane M. Sullivan, Jeffrey S. Diamond, David G. Cook

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

80 Scopus citations

Abstract

GLT-1, the major glutamate transporter in the adult brain, is abundantly expressed in astrocytic processes enveloping synapses. By limiting glutamate escape into the surrounding neuropil, GLT-1 preserves the spatial specificity of synaptic signaling. Here we show that the amyloid-β peptide A β1-42 markedly prolongs the extracellular lifetime of synaptically released glutamate by reducing GLT-1 surface expression in mouse astrocytes and that this effect is prevented by the vitamin E derivative Trolox. These findings indicate that astrocytic glutamate transporter dysfunction may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and suggest possible mechanisms by which several current treatment strategies could protect against the disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5312-5318
Number of pages7
JournalAnnals of internal medicine
Volume158
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine

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