Stages of retinal tauopathy and its relation to age and non‐AD retinal pathologies

Background Retinal imaging for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathological features is a potential biomarker AD. Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) containing plaques and abnormally phosphorylated tau (p-tau) pathology have been reported in retinas of AD cases. However, little known about these pathologies the patients without clinically Therefore, we analyzed retina samples from autopsy biopsy cases individuals Aβ pathology, to clarify role lesions non-AD with other eye disorders. Method We 140 3 (age: 34 – 96 years; mean: 67 years). Paraffin-embedded cross-sections were stained hematoxylin & eosin antibodies against different p-tau species. Additionally, screened presence fibrillar aggregates Gallyas silver method. Result not detected. found hierarchical sequence expansion retina, which allowed distinguish four stages retinal tauopathy distribution: 0 = no (n 36); 1 pS202/pT205-tau restricted outer plexiform layer (OPL) 41); 2 OPL inner nuclear (INL) 23); stage OPL, INL, 43). Antibodies pS202/pT205-tau, pT231-tau, MC1-tau showed comparable results. Neurofibrillary tangles found. The distribution was associated age. all three non-diseased controls did exhibit whereas more than 70% ocular tumors, inflammation, degeneration, and/or gliosis signs tauopathy. Conclusion Here, describe over 33 years It shows its evolution, our sample age but occurrence significant ophthalmopathological alterations. Whether changes represent primary or an initial requires future studies. Funding Stichting Alzheimer Onderzoek SAO-FRA 2020-017