Distinct Effects of Beta-Amyloid, Its Isomerized and Phosphorylated Forms on the Redox Status and Mitochondrial Functioning of the Blood–Brain Barrier Endothelium

The Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-associated breakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) promotes the accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) in the brain as the BBB cells provide Aβ transport from the brain parenchyma to the blood, and vice versa. The breakdown of the BBB during AD may be caused by the emergence of blood-borne Aβ pathogenic forms, such as structurally and chemically modified Aβ species; their effect on the BBB cells has not yet been studied. Here, we report that the effects of Aβ42, Aβ42, containing isomerized Asp7 residue (iso-Aβ42) or phosphorylated Ser8 residue (p-Aβ42) on the mitochondrial potential and respiration are closely related to the redox status changes in the mouse brain endothelial cells bEnd.3. Aβ42 and iso-Aβ42 cause a significant increase in nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, glutathione, cytosolic calcium and the mitochondrial potential after 4 h of incubation. P-Aβ42 either does not affect or its effect develops after 24 h of incubation. Aβ42 and iso-Aβ42 activate mitochondrial respiration compared to p-Aβ42. The isomerized form promotes a greater cytotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction, causing maximum oxidative stress. Thus, Aβ42, p-Aβ42 and iso-Aβ42 isoforms differently affect the BBBs’ cell redox parameters, significantly modulating the functioning of the mitochondria. The changes in the level of modified Aβ forms can contribute to the BBBs’ breakdown during AD.