Rat Amyloid Beta 40 (Abeta40) ELISA Kit

Background

Abeta40 is a 40-amino acid peptide derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) through sequential cleavage by β-secretase and γ-secretase. It is the most abundant form of amyloid beta in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid, constituting the majority of amyloid beta peptides produced. Aβ40 plays a role in physiological processes, including neuronal activity modulation and synaptic plasticity. However, in pathological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Aβ40 aggregates to form amyloid plaques, a hallmark of the disease. Compared to Aβ42, Aβ40 is less prone to aggregation, but it is still involved in early-stage plaque formation. Elevated or imbalanced Aβ40 levels are associated with vascular amyloid deposition, contributing to cerebral amyloid angiopathy and cerebrovascular dysfunction, which exacerbate cognitive decline. Monitoring Aβ40 levels in cerebrospinal fluid is often used as a biomarker in Alzheimer’s research and diagnosis.