Family study of platelet membrane fluidity in Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract

The fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene in labeled platelet membranes, an index of membrane fluidity, identifies a prominent subgroup of patients with Alzheimer's disease who manifest distinct clinical features. In a family study, the prevalence of this platelet membrane abnormality was 3.2 to 11.5 times higher in asymptomatic, first-degree relatives of probands with Alzheimer's disease than in neurologically healthy control subjects chosen without regard to family history of dementia. The pattern of the platelet membrane abnormality within families was consistent with that of a fully penetrant autosomal dominant trait. Thus, this abnormality of platelet membranes may be an inherited factor that is related to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

• Authors: G S Zubenko, M Wusylko, B M Cohen, F Boller, I Teply
• Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.) (Science) Vol. 238 Issue 4826 Pg. 539-42 (Oct 23 1987) ISSN: 0036-8075 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3659926 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Diphenylhexatriene

Topics

• Aged
• Alzheimer Disease (blood, genetics)
• Blood Platelets (ultrastructure)
• Cell Membrane (physiology)
• Diphenylhexatriene
• Female
• Fluorescence Polarization
• Humans
• Male
• Membrane Fluidity
• Middle Aged
• Risk Factors