Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Intracellular Aluminium in Inflammatory and Glial Cells in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: A Case Report

Intracellular Aluminium in Inflammatory and Glial Cells in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: A Case Report Thumbnail


Abstract

(1) Introduction: In 2006, we reported on very high levels of aluminium in brain tissue in an unusual case of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The individual concerned had been exposed to extremely high levels of aluminium in their potable water due to a notorious pollution incident in Camelford, Cornwall, in the United Kingdom. The recent development of aluminium-specific fluorescence microscopy has now allowed for the location of aluminium in this brain to be identified. (2) Case Summary: We used aluminium-specific fluorescence microscopy in parallel with Congo red staining and polarised light to identify the location of aluminium and amyloid in brain tissue from an individual who had died from a rare and unusual case of CAA. Aluminium was almost exclusively intracellular and predominantly in inflammatory and glial cells including microglia, astrocytes, lymphocytes and cells lining the choroid plexus. Complementary staining with Congo red demonstrated that aluminium and amyloid were not co-located in these tissues. (3) Discussion: The observation of predominantly intracellular aluminium in these tissues was novel and something similar has only previously been observed in cases of autism. The results suggest a strong inflammatory component in this case and support a role for aluminium in this rare and unusual case of CAA.

Acceptance Date Apr 18, 2019
Publication Date Apr 24, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher MDPI
DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16081459
Keywords cerebral amyloid angiopathy; brain aluminium; pro-inflammatory cells; human exposure to aluminium; Camelford in Cornwall
Publisher URL http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/8/1459

Files




Downloadable Citations