Released on: August 29, 2008, 9:21 am

Press Release Author: AnaSpec Inc.

Industry: Biotech

Press Release Summary: At the 2008 International Conference for Alzheimer's Disease,
the VU University Medical Centre and Lund University presented a joint poster
entitled, "Aβ1-42 binding and uptake by primary human astrocytes in vitro:
Effects of a1-Antichymotrypsin."

Press Release Body: August 29, 2008 - San Jose, CA

At the 2008 International Conference for Alzheimer's Disease, the VU University
Medical Centre and Lund University presented a joint poster entitled, "Aβ1-42
binding and uptake by primary human astrocytes in vitro: Effects of
a1-Antichymotrypsin." The authors of the study were H. M Nielsen, S. Janciauskiene,
B. Holmqvist, and R. Veerhuis. The Aβ1-42 peptides that were a key ingredient
in the research were supplied by AnaSpec, Inc.

The background of the research presentation noted that imbalance between the
production and clearance of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) is a key event in
the Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) might
influence the Aβ fibrillogenesis biological effects and clearance leading to
enhanced Aβ deposition in the brain. Activated astrocytes are found surrounding
amyloid plaques in AD brains but their role in AD pathogenesis is still poorly
understood. These reactive cells over-express ACT and are able to release
pro-inflammatory mediators. Recent evidence also suggests that rodent astrocytes may
internalize and degrade extracellular Aβ. If also human primary astrocytes are
capable of degrading Aβ 1-42, is still to be determined.

The authors presented the following conclusions:

· Primary human astrocytes are, during cytotoxic conditions, able to bind and take
up Aβ1-42 in vitro, without a pro-inflammatory response
· Human adult astrocytes derived from non-AD and AD subjects become Aβ1-42
positive upon exposure, in a similar manner, whereas a greater percentage of human
fetal astrocytes become Aβ1-42 positive upon 1 mM and 10 mM o/n treatment with
Aβ1-42
· ACT has no or little effect on Aβ1-42 uptake by adult astrocytes whereas the
uptake by fetal cells might be enhanced
· Enhanced MCP-1 release upon Aβ/ACT co-treatment versus Aβ alone in adult
astrocytes, might be mediated by ACT itself

About VU University Medical Centre

The VU university medical centre has defined a number of clusters of research
interest and patiënt care. The research themes primarily emcompass multi-and
interdisciplinary research projects which include the entire spectrum of basic,
strategic and applied research and are related to intramural, transmural and
extramural medicine.

About Lund University

Founded in 1666 Lund University is an international centre for research and
education that has approximately 38 000 students. It is respected as one of the best
universities in Sweden. Internationally renowned research is carried out in several
cutting-edge research fields, including nanotechnology and stem cell biology.

About AnaSpec

AnaSpec, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated proteomics solutionsT for
worldwide life science research. With a vision for innovation through synergy,
AnaSpec offers expertise in three primary technologies: peptides, detection
reagents, and combinatorial chemistry.


Web Site: http://www.anaspec.com

Contact Details: AnaSpec Inc.
2149 O\'Toole Ave.
San Jose, CA 95131
1-408-452-5055 (Tel)
1-408-452-5059 (Fax)
1-800-452-5530
ping@anaspec.com
www.anaspec.com