Mechanisms of peripheral microvascular dysfunction in transgenic mice overexpressing the Alzheimer's disease amyloid Aβ protein

Abstract

Freshly prepared soluble amyloid (Aβ) peptide has been reported to have vascular actions both in vitro and in vivo. This study was designed to examine the in vivo microvascular effects of Aβ in two skin microvascular model systems that might reflect possible short and long-term vascular effects of this peptide. Short-term vascular effects were examined using freshly prepared soluble Aβ(1-40) peptide superfused over naive rat skin microvasculature for 15 min. Peripheral microvascular functional changes in 9-months-old transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing soluble Aβ in the brain, peripheral circulation and other tissues, were also examined. Microvascular responses were monitored using laser Dop..