Amyloid precursor protein (APP) mRNA level is higher in the old mouse cerebral cortex and is regulated by sex steroids.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta peptides, which are produced by the proteolytic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP). As the incidence of AD is higher in females and sex steroids are implicated in this disease, we have examined the effect of sex steroids (testosterone and 17β-estradiol) on the expression of APP mRNA and protein in the cerebral cortex of adult and old mice of both sexes. Northern blot analysis detected APP mRNA as a single 3.5-kb band and its level is increased in old as compared to adult. Following gonadectomy, its level was upregulated in female mice but downregulated in male mice. Supplementation with testosterone or estradiol decreased its levels in female mice of both ages. Testosterone supplementation increased the mRNA levels in both adult and old male mice. Estrogen supplementation decreased its level in adult but increased in old male mice. Western blot analysis detected APP specific bands ranging from 95 to 125 kD. The level of 95 kDa band representing APP695 protein showed difference in levels with age or hormone treatment. These results provide evidence for increase in APP mRNA level in the cerebral cortex of old mice and its regulation by sex steroids during aging.