LAUSR

Purpose: To study the effect of Ginkgo biloba preparation on senile dementia and the mechanism of its action. Methods: Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion was produced by vascular occlusion (2-VO). The rats were administered Ginkgo biloba preparation via intra-gastric route 4 h after the operation, and then at 7:30 am every day at a dose of 100 mg/kg per day (0.5 mL/100 g, per day) for 28 days. One group of untreated model rats, and a reference group served as controls. Garcia composite score was used to evaluate the recovery of neurological function in the rats after operation. Morris water maze test was conducted to assess learning and memory abilities. Western blot was used to measure protein expressions of BACE1, TRP1 and RAGE. Serum levels of inflammatory factors IL1, IL6 and TNF were assayed by ELISA. Results: Garcia composite score showed that the neurological function of the SD rats was significantly impaired by the blockage of blood flow to the bilateral common carotid artery. However, neurological function was gradually recovered by treatment with Ginkgo biloba preparation. The escape latency and swimming distance of the rats were significantly shortened, and the number of platform crossings was gradually increased by the Ginkgo biloba preparation. With time, there was no significant difference in swimming speed between the groups. Western blot data showed that expression of BACE1, TRP1 and RAGE gradually decreased. Results from ELISA indicate that with time, Ginkgo biloba preparation decreased the expressions of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF in the reference group. Conclusion: The preventive and therapeutic effects of Ginkgo biloba preparation extract on senile dementia may be related to its inhibition of neuro-inflammatory reaction. Keywords: Alzheimer disease, Neuro-inflammatory reactions, Ginkgo biloba preparation