Clearing amyloid through the blood-brain barrier

According to the amyloid hypothesis, accumulation of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) in the brain is the primary pathogenic event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent evidence indicates that Abeta within the intravascular space is linked to Abeta deposited in the brain suggesting that transport of Abeta between the brain, blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and across the blood-brain barrier, regulates brain Abeta. Thus, understanding Abeta exchanges between brain and blood, and vice versa, and developing transport-based systemic Abeta-lowering strategies may provide new important insights into pathogenesis and therapeutic control of AD.