Alz‐50 Antibody recognizes alzheimer‐related neuronal changes

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Abstract
Alz‐50 is a monoclonal antibody directed against an antigen present in Alzheimer's disease. Unlike conventional pathological stains that reveal only neurons with neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), Alz‐50 recognizes neurons that contain NFTs and additional neurons that do not. Our investigation of the topographical distribution of both NFT‐containing and non‐NFT‐containing neurons recognized by Alz‐50 reveals that they are both found primarily in certain cytoarchitectural areas and lamina that have been established as consistent sites for NFT pathology. Some of the neurons recognized by Alz‐50 appear histopathologically normal. We suggest that Alz‐50 recognizes an antigen in neurons that both precedes and accompanies NFT formation. Thus, it may mark a point early in cellular pathology before irreversible cytoskeletal and degenerative changes occur.