Amyloid-β Impairs Vesicular Secretion in Neuronal and Astrocyte Peptidergic Transmission

Regulated secretion of neuropeptides and neurotrophic factors critically modulates function and plasticity of synapses and circuitries. It is believed that rising amyloid-β (Aβ) concentrations, synaptic dysfunction and network disorganization underlie early phases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we analyze the impact of soluble Aβ(1–42) assemblies on peptidergic secretion in cortical neurons and astrocytes. We show that neurons and astrocytes differentially produce and release carboxypeptidase E (CPE) and secretogranin III (SgIII), two dense-core vesicle (DCV) markers belonging to the regulated secretory pathway. Importantly, Aβ(1–42), but not scrambled Aβ(1–42), dramatically impairs basal and Ca(2+)-regulated secretions of endogenously produced CPE and SgIII in cultured neurons and astrocytes. Additionally, KCl-evoked secretion of the DCV cargo brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is lowered by Aβ(1–42) administration, whereas glutamate release from synaptic vesicle (SVs) remains unchanged. In agreement with cell culture results, Aβ(1–42) effects on CPE and SgIII secretion are faithfully recapitulated in acute adult brain slices. These results demonstrate that neuronal and astrocyte secretion of DCV cargos is impaired by Aβ in vitro and in situ. Furthermore, Aβ-induced dysregulated peptidergic transmission could have an important role in the pathogenesis of AD and DCV cargos are possible candidates as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers.