β(1–40) Amyloid peptide injection into the nucleus basalis of rats induces microglia reaction and enhances cortical γ-aminobutyric acid release in vivo

The nucleus basalis of adult rats was injected with beta(1-40) amyloid peptide. A marked increase in basal and K+-evoked GABA release in the ipsilateral cortex and a significant decrease in GAD activity in the injected NB were found 30 days after injection. An intense activation of microglial cells that surrounded and infiltrated the deposit was observed. These data demonstrate that a local injection of beta(1-40) peptide into the NE induces glia activation and affects GABAergic neurons. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.