Astrocyte–neuron interplay is critical for Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and is rescued by TRPA1 channel blockade

Abstract

The sequence of cellular dysfunctions in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease must be understood if we are to plot new therapeutic routes. Hippocampal neuronal hyperactivity is one of the earliest events occurring during the preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease in both humans and mouse models. The most common hypothesis describes amyloid-β accumulation as the triggering factor of the disease but the effects of this accumulation and the cascade of events leading to cognitive decline remain unclear. In mice, we previously showed that amyloid-β-dependent TRPA1 channel activation triggers hippocampal astrocyte hyperactivity, subsequently inducing hyperactivity in nearby neurons. In this work, we investigated the potential protection against Alzheimer's disease progression provided by early chronic pharmacological inhibition of the TRPA1 channel. A specific inhibitor of TRPA1 channel (HC030031) was administered intraperitoneally from the onset of amyloid-β overproduction in the APP/PS1-21 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Short-, medium- and long-term effects of this chronic pharmacological TRPA1 blockade were characterized on Alzheimer’s disease progression at functional (astrocytic and neuronal activity), structural, biochemical and behavioural levels. Our results revealed that the first observable disruptions in the Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mouse model used correspond to aberrant hippocampal astrocyte and neuron hyperactivity. We showed that chronic TRPA1 blockade normalizes astrocytic activity, avoids perisynaptic astrocytic process withdrawal, prevents neuronal dysfunction and preserves structural synaptic integrity. These protective effects preserved spatial working memory in this Alzheimer’s disease mouse model. The toxic effect of amyloid-β on astrocytes triggered by TRPA1 channel activation is pivotal to Alzheimer’s disease progression. TRPA1 blockade prevents irreversible neuronal dysfunction, making this channel a potential therapeutic target to promote neuroprotection.