Amine oxidase activity of β-amyloid precursor protein modulates systemic and local catecholamine levels

Mol Psychiatry. 2013 Feb;18(2):245-54. doi: 10.1038/mp.2011.168. Epub 2012 Jan 3.

Abstract

The catecholamines dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) are neurotransmitters and hormones that mediate stress responses in tissues and plasma. The expression of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) is responsive to stress and is high in tissues rich in catecholamines. We recently reported that APP is a ferroxidase, subsuming, in neurons and other cells, the iron-export activity that ceruloplasmin mediates in glia. Here we report that, like ceruloplasmin, APP also oxidizes synthetic amines and catecholamines catalytically (K(m) NE=0.27 mM), through a site encompassing its ferroxidase motif and selectively inhibited by zinc. Accordingly, APP knockout mice have significantly higher levels of DA, NE and E in brain, plasma and select tissues. Consistent with this, these animals have increased resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure as well as suppressed prolactin and lymphocyte levels. These findings support a role for APP in extracellular catecholaminergic clearance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / deficiency
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Blood Pressure / genetics
  • Catecholamines / metabolism*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Dopamine / toxicity
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Heart Rate / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Monoamine Oxidase / metabolism*
  • Oxidation-Reduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Catecholamines
  • Monoamine Oxidase
  • Dopamine