Apolipoprotein E isoform-dependent amyloid deposition and neuritic degeneration in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) alleles determine the age-adjusted relative risk (ɛ4 > ɛ3) for Alzheimer's disease (AD). ApoE may affect AD pathogenesis by promoting deposition of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide and its conversion to a fibrillar form. To determine the effect of apoE on Aβ deposition and AD pathology, we compared APP V717F transgenic (TG) mice expressing mouse, human, or no apoE (apoE −/− ). A severe, plaque-associated neuritic dystrophy developed in APP V717F TG mice expressing mouse or human apoE. Though significant levels of Aβ deposition also occurred in APP V717F TG, apoE −/− mice, neuritic degeneration was virtually absent. Expression of apoE3 and apoE4 in APP V717F TG, apoE −/− mice resulted in fibrillar Aβ deposits and neuritic plaques by 15 months of age and substantially (>10-fold) more fibrillar deposits were observed in apoE4-expressing APP V717F TG mice. Our data demonstrate a critical and isoform-specific role for apoE in neuritic plaque formation, a pathological hallmark of AD.