Purdue Findings Reveal Possible Alzheimer's Link To Part Of Brain

Current research at Purdue University suggests that the choroid plexus in the brain plays a vital role in preventing the build-up of the beta-amyloid protein. The choroid plexus catches it and prevents accumulation in the CSF which surrounds the brain and spinal chord, as we have learned. The choroid plexus soaks this protein up and may have enzymes that digest it as well, which account for the first identified natural mechanism for removing this specific protein. This should explain how normal brain balances this protein. Imbalance of this beta-amyloid caused by aging, genetic, or environmental factors may lead to or worsen Alzheimer's disease. The accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins (in high quantities) of the CSF in the brain results in plaque, which is typical of an Alzheimer patient. However, scientists have yet to find out how this protein is deposited in the brains of those infected with this disease. They hypothesize that it is overproduced by aging neurons. Scientists believe that the balance of beta-amyloid proteins is at least partially maintained by the choroid plexus (removes it). The balance breaks down and causes build-up of the protein.
Other research dealt with how the choroid plexus works to clean beta-amyloid from the CSF. Rat brain research indicated that choroidal cells removed about five times more beta-amyloid from CSF compared to how much of the protein the cells allowed to pass into the fluid. Thus, a healthy choroid plexus removes a successful amount of this protein to maintain this normal balance. Researchers also noted the large capacity available to trap these beta-amyloids. This area of the brain is suggested to soak it up and break down its size, which minimizes space that it takes up, accounting for a larger accumulation of possible proteins.