Hg sup 2+ induces GTP-tubulin interactions in rat brain similar to those observed in Alzheimer's disease.

Author: Duhr E, Pendergrass C, Kasarskis E, Slevin J, Haley BE.

Source: FASEB

Year: 1991

Comment:

While this study is not about dental mercury, it establishes a potential connection between Alzheimer's disease and mercury.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is unknown. Using SDS-PAGE and autoradiography the authors’ laboratory has shown: (1) that the tubulin in AD brain is less photolabeled by ({sup 32}P)8N{sub 3}GTP than is tubulin from control brain and (2) that low {mu}M levels of preformed Hg{sup 2+}EDTA specifically blocked interactions of tubulin-({sup 32}P)8N{sub 3}GTP in control human brain homogenates giving a photolabeling profile identical to AD brain. Elevated levels of Hg{sup 2+} have been reported in AD brain by others. Earlier work using ({sup 32}P)8N{sub 3}GTP with Al{sup 3+} treated rat and rabbit brain showed no differences from control with regards to tubulin photolabeling. However, our latest data show that brain samples from Hg{sup 2+} fed rats display an abolished GTP-tubulin interaction similar to AD brain samples as determined by ({sup 32}P)8N{sub 3}GTP photolabeling profiles. Removal of Hg{sup 2+} from treated rats did not reverse the effect. These results suggest that certain complexed forms of Hg{sup 2+} must be considered as a potential source for the etiology of AD.”

Citation:

Duhr E, Pendergrass C, Kasarskis E, Slevin J, Haley BE. Hg sup 2+ induces GTP-tubulin interactions in rat brain similar to those observed in Alzheimer's disease. FASEB 5(CONF-9104107--). 1991; Abstr. No 493.