The profile of β-amyloid precursor protein expression of rats induced by aluminum

The environmental agent aluminum has been extensively investigated for a potential relationship with amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression. Despite many investigations, there is at present no definite proof from which to draw a conclusion. Since APP is an integral membrane protein expressed in different tissues and capable of fluxes across the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which may ultimately affect APP level in brain, it is necessary to assess the expression profile among vital body organs. The present study compared aluminum oxide and aluminum chloride injected rats with control rats (saline treated) to observe if aluminum affected APP expression patterns in different organs by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression of APP was observed in the brain of aluminum chloride treated rats and in the liver of aluminum oxide injected group. Results of double IHC staining showed that it is Kupffer cells, which are located in liver sinus and expressed APP after aluminum oxide treatment. Oxidative stress is suggested as the potential pathway that aluminum chloride exert effects in brain. These results suggest that different aluminum compounds may impact the expression of APP in brain and liver tissues. The mechanism that aluminum induced liver APP expression still needs further investigation.

► Compare the different potential toxic effects of aluminum chloride and aluminum oxide in rats. ► The first study reporting aluminum oxide induced β-amyloid precursor protein expression in rat liver. ► The first study showing hepatocytes and Kuppfer cells express β-amyloid precursor protein after aluminum oxide exposure. ► Aluminum chloride induced β-amyloid precursor protein expression in rat brain is suggested to be associated with oxidative stress. ► The mechanism that aluminum oxide induced β-amyloid precursor protein expression in rat liver requires further study.