The calcium response of human T lymphocytes is decreased in aging but increased in Alzheimer’s dementia

Abstract

Background: A significant increase in the [Ca 2+] i response of single T lymphocytes to mitogenic stimulation with phytohemagglutinin is reported for 27 Alzheimer patients compared with 27 healthy gender- and age-matched control subjects, regardless of gender. Methods: The [Ca 2+] i signals of T lymphocytes were assessed using the Fura-2-AM method. Results: In Alzheimer’s disease (AD) the reaction pattern is similar to that seen in a group of 27 young healthy control subjects who exhibited a marked [Ca 2+] i rise after stimulation. During normal aging the reaction pattern of T cells is significantly attenuated in comparison to that found in young subjects. In healthy control subjects differences in age-related changes in calcium homeostasis are highly significant among women, young women showing the most intense cell response. Conclusions: The elevation of [Ca 2+] i appears to be a prerequisite for apoptosis, which is suggested to be involved in the neuronal death occurring in AD. An increased [Ca 2+] i in AD is consistent with processes leading to neurodegeneration in AD.