Acute application of ApoE4 increases the neuronal resting [Ca~(2+)] i in rat cortex / 基础医学与临床

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the acute effect of apolipoprotein E(apoE)on the intracellular free Ca~(2+) of rat cortical neurons. Methods The intracellular resting calcium level in cultured primary rat cortical neurons was measured by using confocal fluorescent imaging technique. MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor noncom-petitive antagonist, was employed to test potential function of apoE4 through blocking NMDN receptor. Results Acute application of apoE4, but not apoE3, significantly increased the resting [Ca~(2+)] i in a dose-and time-dependent manner (P <0. 01 or P <0. 05) , and MK-801 partly blocked the apoE4-induced elevation of resting [Ca~(2+)]i (P <0. 05 or P <0. 01). Conclusion Acute administration of ApoE4 disturbs calcium homeostasis, and the activation of NMDA receptor may play a critical role in the intracellular calcium overload induced by apoE4 and neurotoxicity.