Dose-dependent phosphorylation of endogenous Tau by intermittent hypoxia in rat brain

Sleep apnea is highly prevalent in people with Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting the potential to accelerate disease onset and/or progression. These studies demonstrate that intermittent hypoxia (IH) induces dose-dependent, region-specific Tau phosphorylation, and are the first to indicate that higher IH “doses” elicit both endogenous, (rat) Tau hyperphosphorylation and accumulation in the hippocampus. These findings are essential for development and implementation of new treatment strategies that minimize sleep apnea and its adverse impact on neurodegenerative diseases.