Cytosolic prostaglandin E synthase: expression patterns in control and Alzheimer's disease brains.

Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease but fail to slow its progression. Studying the expression of prostaglandin E(2) synthases downstream of cyclooxygenase-2 is important. Here, the expression patterns of cytosolic prostaglandin E( 2) synthases, an immediate prostaglandin E(2) source was investigated.

Elevated microsomal prostaglandin-E synthase-1 in Alzheimer's disease.

Background: The proinflammatory prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) fluctuates over time in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the cerebral distribution and expression patterns of microsomal prostaglandin-E synthase (mPGES)-1 have not been compared with those of normal human brains.

Methods: Middle frontal gyrus tissue from AD and age-matched control brains was analyzed by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry with mPGES-1-specific antibodies.

Results: Western blotting revealed that mPGES-1 expression was significantly elevated in AD tissue.

Development of immunoassays for serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5a.

Background: Serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) consists of 2 structurally related isoforms, TRACP 5a and 5b. TRACP 5b is from bone-resorbing osteoclasts. TRACP 5a may be a macrophage product of inflammation.