These cells could serve as a powerful, albeit novel, in vitro model for studying the still unknown primary process of neurodegeneration: the adrenal medulla in AD patients shows various pathological features reminiscent of those seen in the CNS e.g. numerous Lewy-body like inclusions [7], neurofibrillary tangles and paired helical filaments [8], as well as expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) [9]. The gene discussed is APP; the disease is Alzheimer disease.