Neurologische Störungen

Ginkgo Biloba Extract Protects Substantia Nigral Neurons from Apoptosis in PD Rat Model

Abstract

Cao Fei, Luo Fang, Zhang Lei, Su Ying, Chen Li, Hu Bo and Tong E-tang

Purpose: To investigate the apoptotic mechanism during the pathological process of Parkinson disease (PD) and explore the availability of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) to cure PD.

Methods: Followed 6-OHDA injection stereotaxically to right side of substantia nigra pars compacta(SNc), at the date of 1, 7,14 and 21, we used biochemical, immunohistochemical, TUNEL and electron microscopic techniques to evaluate the level of apoptosis (TUNEL), monitor the degree of oxidative reaction (MDA.SOD), and to observe the change of ultrastructure of substantia nigra in the experimental PD models of rats (PD group), the EGb treatment group (EGb group) and the control group. Results: Contrast to the Control group, the number of apoptotic neurons and free radical level increased in the PD group and the EGb group, but the PD group surpassed the EGb group (p<0.05).In the PD group, the ultrastructure of substantia nigra exhibited the morphological characteristics of apoptosis from 1d to 21d.

Conclusions: Free radical insult contributes to the pathological process of PD in rats. EGb may ameliorate the injury of substantia nigra through expiring free radicals during the pathological process of PD in rats.