Unchanged rat brain amyloid precursor protein levels after exposure to benzodiazepines in vivo.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies emphasize a positive correlation between (cardiac) surgical interventions and increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease in the late postoperative period. Since amyloid precursor protein and its neurotoxic derivatives play key roles in the development of Alzheimer's dementia, the impact of several agents used in the intra- and perioperative period is examined.

METHOD: Amyloid precursor protein concentrations were assessed by semi-quantitative Western-immunoblot in brains of rats following intraperitoneal treatment with diazepam and midazolam.

RESULTS

There were no significant changes in the amyloid precursor protein concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Both diazepam and midazolam are considered to be relatively safe with respect to amyloid precursor protein metabolism.