The solubility of α-synuclein in multiple system atrophy differs from that of dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Intracellular inclusions containing α-synuclein (αSN) are pathognomonic features of several neurodegenerative disorders. Inclusions occur in oligodendrocytes in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and in neurons in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In order to identify disease-associated changes of αSN, this study compared the levels, solubility and molecular weight species of αSN in brain homogenates from MSA, DLB, PD and normal aged controls. In DLB and PD, substantial amounts of detergent-soluble and detergent-insoluble αSN were detected compared with controls in grey matter homogenate. Compared with controls, MSA cases had significantly higher levels of αSN in the d..