The levels of three proteases in the cerebral cortex of rats following a three week exposure to aluminum, were measured. The activity of apopain (CPP32), an interleukin 1beta converting enzyme (ICE)-like cysteine protease specifically associated with apoptosis, was increased following dosing with aluminum. The activity of calcium-activated neutral protease, calpain, was also increased. However, the enzyme activity of trypsin-like serine protease, known to be elevated by oxidative events, was unchanged. Since aluminum is suspected as a possible factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases, it is speculated that changed levels in proteolytic enzymes may relate to the neurotoxicity of aluminum.

Aluminum exposure increases the activity of apopain and calpain in the cerebral cortex, potentially contributing to its neurotoxicity.

Elevation of cerebral proteases after systemic administration of aluminum

Key Takeaway: Aluminum exposure increases the activity of apopain and calpain in the cerebral cortex, potentially contributing to its neurotoxicity.