ApoE helps immune brain cells respond to amyloid plaques

Deficiency of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in transgenic mice reduced fibrillar plaque deposition by approximately 50%.

• Reduced fibrillar plaque deposition was observed in mice lacking ApoE.
• Fibrillar plaques in ApoE-deficient mice showed a notable reduction in compaction.
• Distinct amyloid-β morphotypes were identified in ApoE-deficient mice using hyperspectral fluorescent imaging.
• ApoE deficiency was associated with a significant decrease in microgliosis and activated microglial gene expression.
• Increased dystrophic neurites were found around fibrillar plaques in the absence of ApoE.

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