NEW YORK: Tissue from healthy brains and those with Alzheimer’s were examined at the University of Southampton and had the number of microglia (macrophage glial cells) counted, with more found in brains of those with Alzheimer’s.
These same immune cells were studied in mice to see if a receptor responsible for the microglia regulation, CSF1R, would affect cognitive skills. By blocking this receptor, microglia numbers were preventing from rising and prevented the loss of communication points between nerve cells associated with Alzheimer’s. The treated mice had fewer memory and behavioural problems than the untreated mice.
Dr Diego Gomez-Nicola, lead author of the study, said: “These findings are as close to evidence as we can get to show that this particular pathway is active in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.”
The researchers found in mice that were given CSFR1 inhibitors they still retained a healthy amount of microglia – this suggests inhibiting CSF1R prevents excess microglia.