Both the D-(+) and L-(-) Enantiomers of Nicotine Inhibit Aβ Aggregation and Cytotoxicity

The underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease is thought to be the aggregation of monomeric β-amyloid (Aβ), through a series of toxic oligomers, which forms the mature amyloid fibrils that accumulate at the center of senile plaques. It has been reported that L-(-)-nicotine prevents Aβ aggregation and toxicity, and inhibits senile plaque formation. Previous NMR studies have suggested that this could be due to the specific binding of L-(-)-nicotine to histidine residues (His⁶, His¹³, and His¹⁴) in the peptide. Here, we have looked at the effects of both of the L-(-) and D-(+) optical enantiomers of nicotine on the aggregation and cytotoxicity of Aβ(1-40). Surprisingly, both enantiomers inhibited aggregation of the peptide and reduced the toxic effects of the peptide on cells. In NMR studies with Aβ(1-40), both enantiomers of nicotine were seen to interact with the three histidine residues. Overall, our data indicate that nicotine can delay Aβ fibril formation and maintain a population of less toxic Aβ species. This effect cannot be due to a highly specific binding interaction between nicotine and Aβ, as previously thought, but could be due instead to weaker, relatively nonspecific binding, or to the antioxidant or metal chelating properties of nicotine. D-(+)-Nicotine, being biologically much less active than L-(-)-nicotine, might be a useful therapeutic agent.