Distinct effects of testosterone on plasma and cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-beta levels

J Alzheimers Dis. 2008 Sep;15(1):129-37. doi: 10.3233/jad-2008-15111.

Abstract

The effect of testosterone on the levels of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) was investigated in guinea pigs. Castrated guinea pigs (GPX) were administered testosterone at two different dosages, following which plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Abeta_{40} levels were measured. Plasma Abeta_{40} levels were reduced in GPX in the early stages of low-dose testosterone treatment, whereas CSF Abeta_{40} levels were only reduced by the time circulating testosterone had returned to untreated GPX levels. The supraphysiological testosterone dose did not reduce CSF Abeta_{40} levels significantly until circulating testosterone was back to uncastrated levels, whereas plasma Abeta_{40} levels significantly increased over time in these animals. These results indicate that the extent of testosterone-induced changes to Abeta_{40} levels and their response rates depend on both the tissue examined and testosterone dosage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / blood*
  • Alzheimer Disease / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor* / blood
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor* / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor* / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Castration
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Male
  • Testosterone / administration & dosage
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Testosterone / pharmacology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Testosterone