Transient reduction of spontaneous neuronal network activity by sublethal amyloid beta (1-42) peptide concentrations.

Soluble amyloid beta(1-42) (A beta(1-42)) peptide has recently been assigned a key role in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology accounting for synaptic dysfunction before amyloid plaque formation and neurodegeneration can occur. Following sublethal A beta(1-42) administration, we observed an acute but transient reduction of the spike and burst rate of spontaneously active cortical networks cultured on microelectrode arrays. This simple experimental system appears suitable for future long-term pharmacological and genetic studies of A beta(1-42) signaling, thus providing a valuable new tool in AD research.