Influence of Al3+, Fe3+ and Zn2+ Ions on Phosphorylation of Tubulin and Microtubulo-Associated Proteins of Rat Brain

Abstract

Phosphorylation of τ-protein, a component of microtubules in brain neurons, is a key pathomorphological sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The development of this intracellular defect can be promoted by Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, and Zn²⁺ ions. The concentrations of these ions in the brain are considerably elevated in Alzheimer’s disease. We performed a comparative study of phosphorylation of microtubular proteins of rat brain in the presence of Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, and Zn²⁺ ions in concentrations of 10-500 μM and microtubular proteins of brain of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The most likely candidate for the role of a factor that promotes hyperphosphorylation of τ-protein is Al³⁺ in concentrations of 250 and 500 μM.