Ab deposits in the gray matter of neocortical brain areas

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Antibodies against Abeta demonstrate that the amyloid deposits are widespreadly distributed in the extracellular domain of the cortical grey matter.

Diffuse deposits (Abeta immunoreactivity)  as well as dense cores of amyloid substance (thioflavine +) are observed.

One of the most important question regarding Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis is to determine if these amyloid deposits are the cause of nerve cell dysfunction and death. Most scientists are in favour of this theory. An alternative explanation could be that they result from APP dysfunction (loss or gain of function). See APP.

Together, Abeta deposits could be markers of APP dysfunction, or a protective way to respond to the degenerating process.

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