Oxidative Stress Alters APP Expression in Neurons Derived from the Chick Embryonic Brain

Two hypothesized causes of Alzheimer’s disease due to oxidative stress are progressive cerebral accumulation of β-amyloid and neuronal apoptosis. In this study, I focus on the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a form of oxidative stress, on the expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the number of nuclei and neurons to support either hypothesis. APP is a precursor molecule for β-amyloid, but it is known to regulate synapse formation, neural plasticity, and iron export. Results from my research show that H2O2 causes changes in overall APP expression and the number of nuclei and neurons. The control neurons from both the cerebrum and tectum expressed higher amount of APP compared to H2O2 treated cells. This decrease in APP expression can suggest support for the β-amyloid hypothesis with further research into the secretases responsible for cleaving. The apoptosis hypothesis can also be supported due to the decrease in nuclei and neurons from the cerebrum and tectum. This indicates reduced cell viability, but further research into how apolipoprotein E (APOE) can be mutated by oxidative stress, would indicate greater support