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Pharmacopsychiatry 2003; 36: 144-148
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-43057
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Cholesterol Trafficking and Amyloid Beta Peptides

W. G. Wood1 , U. Igbavboa1
  • 1Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Medical Center and Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 October 2003 (online)

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Currently, there is much interest in the association between cholesterol and Alzheimer's disease. An especially important aspect of this association is the relationship between amyloid beta-peptide (Aß) and cholesterol that can be described as a reciprocal process. It would appear that cholesterol levels modulate Aß levels and in turn Aß acts on cholesterol homeostasis. Herein, we give a brief overview of amyloid beta peptide effects cellular cholesterol trafficking and potential mechanisms of those effects. Alterations of cholesterol homeostasis can have pronounced consequences on cell structure and function and may be both a cause and casualty of Alzheimer's disease.

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W. Gibson Wood, Ph.D.

GRECC 11G, VA Medical Center

One Veterans Drive

Minneapolis, MN, 55417

Phone: 612-467-3303

Fax: 612-725-2051

Email: woodx002@umn.edu

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