On 11 February, an international group of researchers published a study on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse models in the journal nature neuroscience. Their aim was to provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of impaired blood flow within the brain.
Previous evidence has shown reductions in brain blood flow in people with AD as well as AD mouse models that were accompanied by cognitive impairment. In the pursuit of a better understanding of the underlying disease mechanism, the scientists looked at differences between APP/PS1 and 5xFAD mouse models and wild-type mice and found that so called neutrophils (a common form of white blood cells) were stuck in cortical capillaries, mainly contributing to the constricted blood flow.
Building on previous research, the team administered antibodies that deplete neutrophils and observed immediate improved blood flow as well as improved cognitive function after one month of treatment.
Based on these results and findings from other teams, the researchers concluded that the approach of improving brain blood flow through interventions that interfere with stuck neutrophils would be an area of interest for future research.