Toxin Implicated in Alzheimer's

Researchers have discovered a toxin that plays an important role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Their finding was reported in the August 2005 issue of Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology.

"We found that all of the brains of dementia patients showed quinolinic acid neurotoxicity,” explained Bruce Brew, professor of medicine at the University of New South Wales (UNSW, Sidney, Australia). "This acid kills nerve cells in the brain, leading to brain dysfunction and ultimately death.”

"Quinolinic acid is part of a biochemical pathway called the kynurenine pathway,” said lead author Dr. Gilles Guillemin, of the UNSW. "The activation of that pathway is also found in other major brain diseases, including Huntington's disease, stroke, dementia, and schizophrenia.”

The researchers noted that there are several drugs that can block this pathway and these are already under investigation. The drugs might be used to complement other treatments. The project was a collaboration involving scientists from the UNSW, the University of Sydney (Australia), and Hokkaido University (Japan).

"Quinolinic acid may not be the cause of Alzheimer's disease, but it plays a key role in its progression,” stated Dr. Karen Cullen, of the University of Sydney. "It's the smoking gun, if you like.”




Related Links:
University of New South Wales
U. of Sidney
Hokkaido U.