Subpopulation Alterations of Vascular Endothelial Cells in the Cerebral Cortex in Experimental Models of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract

Angiogenesis is regulated by various types of endothelial cells: tip cells, stalk cells, and phalanx cells. In this study, the changes in cerebral angiogenesis and the characteristics of angiogenesis in the prefrontal cortex of Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice were investigated. AD was induced by injection of β-amyloid into the hippocampus. The animals underwent cognitive testing, and their brains were analyzed using immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate angiogenesis. The results showed an increase in the proliferation of endothelial cells and altered ratio of tip, stalk, and phalanx cells. Vascular branching and density in the prefrontal cortex were decreased, indicating an unproductive form of angiogenesis in AD. Obtained results highlight the link between changes in angiogenesis and cognitive decline, confirming the importance of vascular dysfunction in AD progression.