Alzheimer's disease‐like pathological lesions in an aged bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Issue 1 (29th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stylianaki, Ioanna; Komnenou, Anastasia T; Posantzis, Dimitrios; Nikolaou, Konstantina; Papaioannou, Nikolaos
• Is Part Of: Veterinary record case reports. Volume 7:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-01-29
• Subjects: ageing -- neuropathology -- dolphins; Veterinary medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.08905
• DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2018-000700
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-6121

Abstract

Abstract : Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder causing dementia. AD‐like pathological lesions have been described in human and in several other animal species. In this study, we report AD‐like pathological changes observed in the brain of a 40‐year‐old dolphin ( Tursiups truncatus ), boosting dolphins as a promising natural model of AD. The amyloid β (Aβ) was detected immunohistochemically as intraneuronal depositions, parenchymal accumulations and limited deposits in the wall of meningeal and parenchymal vessels. Also, neuronal tau positive labelling was noticed. This is the first report to show ΑpoE immunopositive reaction in dolphins. Glial fibrillary acidic protein positive astrocytes were also observed. Our findings are indicative of early AD or mild cognitive impairment pathology. So, they strongly reinforce the statement that dolphins could be a natural animal model of AD due to their lifespan, brain lesions and Αβ homology with the human peptide.