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. 2019 Feb;22(2):140-145.
doi: 10.22038/ijbms.2018.26228.6569.

Oral administration of Ginkgolide B alleviates hypoxia-induced neuronal damage in rat hippocampus by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis

Wang Li  1 , Shi Qinghai  1 , Li Kai  1 , Ma Xue  2 , Niu Lili  3 , Ran Jihua  1 , Liu Zhengxiang  1 , Li Xiaoling  1 , Ge Di  1 , Yang Qi  1 , Deng Mengyun  1 , Fu Jianfeng  1
Affiliations

Oral administration of Ginkgolide B alleviates hypoxia-induced neuronal damage in rat hippocampus by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis

Wang Li et al. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019 Feb.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore the potential neuroprotective effects of Ginkgolide B (GB), a main terpene lactone and active component in Ginkgo biloba, in hypoxia-induced neuronal damage, and to further investigate its possible mechanisms.

Materials and methods: 54 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the untreated control group (n=18); the hypoxia group (n=18; exposed to 6000 m simulated plateau altitude for six days); and the GB group (n=18; intragastric administration of 12 mg/kg GB three days prior to rapid adaption to 6000 m and on the first two days of hypoxia). After hypoxia exposure for six days, we dissected out the brain hippocampi and performed hematoxylin and eosin staining, Nissl staining, and TUNEL staining. Homogenates of the hippocampi were used to test the oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase. Bax and caspase-3 expression in the hippocampal tissue was measured using qRT-PCR.

Results: Treatment with GB before exposure to hypoxia could protect neural cells and increase the number of Nissl bodies. TUNEL and qRT-PCR results demonstrated that GB treatment could decrease apoptotic cells in different areas of the hippocampus. Antioxidant defense systems such as SOD, GSH, and catalase were decreased (P<0.05), and the concentration of MDA was reduced significantly in the hippocampi of rats of the GB group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: GB could alleviate hypoxia-induced neuronal damage in rat hippocampus by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Ginkgolide B; Hippocampus; Hypoxia; Oxidative stress injury.

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Conflict of interest statement

No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to subject of this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Morphological evidences prove that Ginkgolide B (GB) treatment could protect hippocampal neural cells
Figure 2
Figure 2
Ginkgolide B (GB) protects neurons by preventing apoptosis
Figure 3
Figure 3
Ginkgolide B (GB) protects neurons against oxidative stress
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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