Brain Receptor Cell Could be New Target for Alzheimer’s Disease

Temple University researchers have published a study in the journal Neurobiology of Aging which proposes that blocking a brain cell receptor utilized by oxygen free radicals could effectively neutralize most biological symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The study discovered that free radicals produced from oxidative stress bind to a protein receptor known as the thromboxane receptor, and then transmit signals to neuronal cells increasing the production of amyloid beta or phosphorylated tau. These two compounds are the primary Alzheimer’s pathologies. “Basically, it sends the wrong message inside the neuronal cells, and with time, this definitely will result in all the clinical manifestations of the disease, such as cognitive impairment, loss of memory and brain cell death,” explained the study’s lead researcher. By introducing a compound known for blocking the thromboxane receptor in test mice, researchers found that no symptoms of the disease manifested. This discovery will enable new research, targeting new Alzheimer’s disease treatments; including alternative compounds which may prove to be more effective. To learn more about this study, click here.