Rapid, concurrent alterations in pre- and postsynaptic structure induced by naturally-secreted amyloid-β protein

In Alzheimer’s disease increasing evidence attributes synaptic and cognitive deficits to soluble oligomers of amyloid β protein (Aβ), even prior to the accumulation of amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal cell death. Here we show that within 1–2 h picomolar concentrations of cell-derived, soluble Aβ induce specific alterations in pre- and postsynaptic morphology and connectivity in cultured hippocampal neurons. Clusters of presynaptic vesicle markers decreased in size and number at glutamatergic but not GABAergic terminals. Dendritic spines also decreased in number and became dysmorphic, as spine heads collapsed and/or extended long protrusions. Simultaneous time-lapse imaging of axon-dendrite pairs revealed that shrinking spines sometimes became disconnected from their presynaptic varicosity. Concomitantly, miniature synaptic potentials decreased in amplitude and frequency. Spine changes were prevented by blockers of nAChRs and NMDARs. Washout of Aβ within the first day reversed these spine changes. Further, spine changes reversed spontaneously by 2 days, because neurons acutely developed resistance to continuous Aβ exposure. Thus, rapid Aβ-induced synapse destabilization may underlie transient behavioral impairments in animal models, and early cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s patients.