Cerebrospinal Fluid Level of Aquaporin4: A New Window on Glymphatic System Involvement in Neurodegenerative Disease?

J Alzheimers Dis. 2019;69(3):663-669. doi: 10.3233/JAD-190119.

Abstract

Aquaporin4 (AQP4) is a water channel protein located at astrocyte foot processes that plays a role in glymphatic system, a highly organized fluid transport pathway which seems to be involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) pathophysiology. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AQP4 levels were determined in 11 patients with AD, 10 patients with NPH, and 9 controls. We found significantly reduced AQP4 in AD patients, a trend in reduction in NPH patients, and a correlation between AQP4 and amyloid-β CSF levels. This study indicates the potential role of AQP4 and glymphatic system in neurodegenerative diseases pathophysiology.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Aquaporin 4; glymphatic system; normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Aquaporin 4 / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Female
  • Glymphatic System / metabolism*
  • Glymphatic System / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Male
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / physiopathology
  • tau Proteins / cerebrospinal fluid

Substances

  • AQP4 protein, human
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Aquaporin 4
  • MAPT protein, human
  • tau Proteins