Journal of Veterinary Science

The Korean Society of Veterinary Science (대한수의학회)
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Alzheimer disease-like neuropathologic changes in a geriatric baboon (Papio hamadryas)

  • William T Harrison (Deparmtent of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine) ;
  • J Mark Cline (Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine) ;
  • David L Caudell (Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine) ;
  • Hillary F Huber (Department of Population Health, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute) ;
  • Carol A Shively (Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine) ;
  • Thomas C Register (Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine) ;
  • Suzanne Craft (Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine) ;
  • Jason D Struthers (Department of Pathology & Population Medicine, Animal Health Institute, Midwestern University)
  • Received : 2024.02.29
  • Accepted : 2024.07.30
  • Published : 2024.09.30
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Abstract

Importance: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly with the incidence rising exponentially after the age of 65 years. Unfortunately, effective treatments are extremely limited and definite diagnosis can only be made at autopsy. This is in part due to our limited understanding of the complex pathophysiology, including the various genetic, environmental, and metabolic contributing factors. In an effort to better understand this complex disease, researchers have employed nonhuman primates as translational models. Case Presentation: This report aims to describe the AD-like neuropathology in the brain of a 37-year-old female baboon (Papio hamadryas), which at the time of her death made her the oldest hamadryas baboon at any member institution of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. A diagnostic necropsy was performed, and the brain was evaluated for neurodegenerative disease. Frequent amyloid-β deposits were identified, consistent with what has been described in other geriatric nonhuman primates. Phospho-tau pathology, including neurofibrillary tangles, a feature not well-described in other primate models, was also abundant. Conclusions and Relevance: Our results suggest that more detailed, prospective, longitudinal studies are warranted utilizing this particular species to see if they represent a viable model for human brain aging.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Phoenix Zoo who cared for, Skye, the baboon described in this study for over three decades.

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