neurotransmitter pathology Alzheimer's disease

Introduction

Variably diminished levels of neurotransmitters & the enzymes that metabolize them are found in cortex & hippocampus, including:

• acetylcholine*
  • deficiency of choline acetyltransferase
  • loss of muscarinic M2 receptors in later phases of AD
  • atrophy or loss of neurons in the nucleus basalis
• norepinephrine*
  • atrophy or loss of neurons in the locus ceruleus
• serotonin*
  • neurofibrillary tangles & loss of neurons in the raphe nuclei
• somatostatin
• corticotropin-releasing factor
• substance P
• GABA
• neuropeptide Y

* These changes are likely due to neuronal dysfunction & cell death of post-synaptic neurons innervated by neurons releasing these neurotransmitters.

More specific terms

• acetylcholine (Miochol, Pragmoline)
• gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, Gammalone, Mielomade)
• norepinephrine; noradrenaline (Levophed)
• serotonin; 5-hydroxytryptamine
• substance-P

Additional terms

• CNS cholinergic system