Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Beta-amyloid peptides (Aβ_1-42) on the subunits of KATP expression of cultured primitive basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in rats. Methods Primitive rat basal forebrain neurons were cultured and evaluated. The subunits of KATP: Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR1 and SUR2 expression were determined by double immunofluorescence and immunoblotting when the neurons were exposed to Aβ_1-42 (2μmmol/L) for different times.Results After being exposed to Aβ_1-42 for 24 hours, the expression of subunits Kir6.1 and SUR2 in the cultured neurons was significantly increased compared with the controls (P<0.05), while that of Kir6.2 and SUR1 had no significant difference from that of the controls. After being exposed to Aβ_1-42 for 72 hours, the expressions of the four subunits were all significantly increased compared with the controls (P<0.05). Conclusion Aβ_1-42 for different times (24h and 72h) induces different regulation of KATP subunit expressions in cultured primitive rat basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Changes in composition of KATP may resist the toxicity of Aβ_1-42.

Key words: Beta-amyloid peptides, Basal forebain, Cholinergic neuron, ATP-sensitive potassium channel