The loss of synapses is a strong histological correlate of the cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid β−peptide (Aβ), a cleavage product of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), exerts detrimental effects on synapses, a process thought to be causally related to the cognitive deficits in AD. Here, we used in vivo two-photon microscopy to characterize the dynamics of axonal boutons and dendritic spines in APP/Presenilin 1 (APPswe/PS1L166P)–green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice. Time-lapse imaging over 4 weeks revealed a pronounced, concerted instability of pre- and postsynaptic structures within the vicinity of amyloid plaques. Treatment with a novel sulfonamide-type γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) attenuated the formation and growth of new plaques and, most importantly, led to a normalization of the enhanced dynamics of synaptic structures close to plaques. GSI treatment did neither affect spines and boutons distant from plaques in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1-GFP (APPPS1-GFP) nor those in GFP-control mice, suggesting no obvious neuropathological side effects of the drug.

The palladium-catalyzed synthesis of bis-heterocyclic spirocycles containing both pyrroline and indoline motifs is reported. Di-tert-butyldiaziridinone is used to functionalize palladacycles generated in situ via domino Narasaka−Heck/C−H activation reactions. The reaction is readily scalable, and the spirocyclic products can undergo deprotection, reduction, and (3 + 2) cycloadditions, highlighting their synthetic utility. Additionally, kinetic isotope effect experiments support a turnover-limiting C−H functionalization step in the catalytic cycle.

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