Alterations in neuronal excitability and AMPA-mediated neurotransmission in an APP/PS1 neuronal culture model derived from nucleus accumbens.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease. Recently, alterations in the mesolimbic system have been described, especially in the nucleus accumbens (nAc). We found that intracellular accumulation of Aβ was higher in neurons of the APP/PS1 mice at 10 and 15 days in vitro. At 15 days in vitro (DIV), APP/PS1 accumbal neurons showed alterations in synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. Specifically, there was an increase in AMPAergic synaptic currents, which was sensitive to the application of NASPM, suggesting a critical role for calcium-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs). Our study indicates that this neuronal culture model accurately replicates alterations in the early stages of AD.