DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: The present invention is a non-transgenic, adult onset rodent model for Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. The model is produced by a single, cerebroventricular injection of a specific beta-amyloid peptide fragment that elicits increases in pathological and inflammatory correlates of Alzheimer’s disease in multiple forebrain sites while also exhibiting behavioral symptoms of neuro-degeneration.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer’s disease is a gradual progressive dementia affecting both cognition and behavior. It is characterized by loss of short-term memory and deterioration in intellectual performance and behavior. The exact
physiology is unknown and no cure exists. Although drugs may reduce symptoms and progression for a time, the disease is usually fatal. The disease affects 10% of people over the age of 65 and almost 50% of those of 85 years
and over.

Animal models of Alzheimer’s disease are critical for furthering our understanding of the underlying physiology and for developing treatment of the disease. However, to date it has proven difficult to develop simple but accurate animal models that display molecular disease markers, such as senile plaques, tangles and inflammatory mediators while accurately mimicking symptoms of progressive adult onset neuron-degeneration.

POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES/USES: This novel rat model for Alzheimer’s disease exhibits a number of significant advantages over other models currently available, and will be of interest to pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies with a focus in the CNS area and who are evaluating novel drug lead molecules targeted at the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The model provides the following key advantages:

• Is an adult onset neurodegenerative model. 
• Is simple, reproducible, and accurately exhibits the behavioural and pathological changes associated with clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. 
• Does not require extensive preparation or rearing of animal colonies as it is required for transgenic models 
• Can be easily combined with models for other conditions such as stroke, diabetes or hypertension 
• Can be used alone, or in combination with other models for the reliable identification of novel neuroprotective agents or other therapeutic interventions.

DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE The model is available for immediate use

Reference: UWO-AE-026

Therapeutic Targets: Alzheimers Disease (AD), Stroke, Cerebral Ischemia.

US patent application filed.

This model is available for out-licensing. A collaborative research approach involving the inventor would also be considered.