Correlation of Aβ deposition in the nasal cavity with the formation of senile plaques in the brain of a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

The deposition of β-amyloid peptides (Aβ) is commonly reported in the nasal cavity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, although the pathological significance of this finding is unknown. This study compared Aβ concentrations in the nasal area with those in the brain, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis identified Aβ deposits in the nasal epithelium of Tg2576 mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements revealed a correlation between the content of Aβ42 in the nasal area and that in the brain, but not with that in the blood. These results suggest that the highly accessible nasal cavity could be a useful site for diagnostic analysis of AD based on Aβ content.

► Aβ was detected in the olfactory and respiratory epithelia in Tg2576 mice.
► The Aβ levels in the nasal area do correlate with the brain Aβ level.
► Aβ content of the nasal cavity may be a useful tool for diagnosing AD.