Free Radicals and Alzheimer's Disease

Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative and nitrosative stress plays a major role in the initiation and progression of Alzheimer's disease. This monograph aims to examine in depth and to clarify the role of oxygen- and nitrogen-centred radicals in the pathogenesis of the disease. To this end, cultures of neuronal and glial cells were challenged with amyloid 1-40 and 25-35 peptides and photon emission was continuously measured with the luminol- or lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence technique in order to demonstrate free radical species. Furthermore, brain slices of hypoxic rats or rats treated with nitric oxide donors were analysed by transmission electron microscopy. The book also pays due attention to the use of free radical scavengers as prophylactic agents and to the potential therapeutic role of iron and copper chelators. The author's own detailed research is complemented by an exhaustive analysis of the relevant literature, with the citation of more than 9000 publications. Free Radicals and Alzheimer's Disease will be a fascinating and invaluable source of information for researchers and clinicians.