Figure 7
Diagram representing α2A agonists’ neuroprotective effect against Aβ toxicity. APP can be processed into Aβ or sAPPα through the amyloidogenic and non-amyloidogenic pathways, respectively. α2A receptor agonists can negatively affect the amyloidogenic pathway, preventing cell death, partly by modulating excitotoxicity caused by glutamate (GLU). α2A receptor agonists can also affect APP processing via the extracellular matrix, by modulating MMP-9 and laminin through LBP, preventing further toxic interactions with Aβ and by increasing processing of APP into sAPPα, promoting the non-amyloidogenic pathway. α2A receptor agonists can also increase levels of P-Bad, and therefore overall act to promote cell survival and neuroprotection
