Date of Defense

Summer 7-12-1990

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Irene Abraham, Upjohn Company

Second Advisor

Leonard Ginsberg, Biological Sciences

Third Advisor

Cecil McIntire, Biological Sciences

Keywords

brain function

Abstract

Several drugs were used to determine differential drug sensitivity among normal, Alzheimer, and Down's Syndrome fibroblasts. Colchicine, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP), adriamycin, and paraquat were each used alone with the fibroblasts to determine any sensitivity differences. The results shows significant sensitivity differences between the normal and Alzheimer fibroblasts in response to CCCP, adriamycin, and paraquat. These results suggest decreased mitochondrial function and increased free radical production in the Alzheimer fibroblasts. U-74006F brought the resistance level of the Alzheimer fibroblasts closer to the normal level of sensitivity to paraquat alone. This suggests that the toxicity of the paraquat was reduced by U-74006F. This study shows the possibility of using these cells as screens for compounds that reduce the differences between Alzheimer's and normal cells. It indicates the possibilities of using peripheral tissue for the study of Alzheimer's disease.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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