Oligomeric forms of the peptide, β-amyloid, (Aβ) are known to be toxic to human and rodent neurones, and have been identified as possible causative agents in the loss of cognitive function in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). An ELISA assay has been developed capable of detecting oligomeric forms of Aβ in biological fluids, but not detecting monomeric species. The ELISA has been validated with a number of synthetic variant sequences of Aβ and the effects of known inhibitors of Aβ oligomer formation. Significantly raised levels of oligomers were detected in sera samples from AD patients, compared to age-matched control sera.
Image courtesy of interviewee
