Cu(ATSM) Restores Blood–Brain Barrier Abundance of P-Glycoprotein and Improves Cognitive Function in the APP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides in the brain. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a key efflux transporter at the blood–brain barrier (BBB), plays a crucial role in the clearance of Aβ. Using the APP/PS1 mouse model of familial AD, this study investigated the effect of copper diacetyl bis(4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone) (Cu(ATSM)) on brain microvascular abundance and function of P-gp and the associated effects on exogenous Aβ clearance, brain amyloid burden, and cognitive function. Compared to vehicle-treated 10 month-old APP/PS1 mice, Cu(ATSM) (30 mg/kg/day for 56 days) restored brain microvascular P-gp abun..