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Review

Angiotensins and Alzheimer's disease: a bench to bedside overview

Patrick G Kehoe email

Dementia Research Group, Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Clinical Science at North Bristol, University of Bristol, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol BS16 1LE, UK

author email corresponding author email

Alzheimers Res Ther 2009, 1:3doi:10.1186/alzrt3

Published: 9  July  2009

Abstract

The pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) features amyloid β peptide deposition, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and deficits in the cholinergic pathway. Abnormal blood pressure is recognised as a risk factor for the development of AD, although the underlying mechanisms remain unproven. This review proposes angiotensins and associated enzymatic pathways as important mediators of recognised but undefined links between blood pressure and AD. Evidence in support of this involvement translates consistently from the most basic in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experimental paradigms to more complex human-based observational and experimental studies, which also fortunately offer potential for therapeutic interventions against AD.

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