Expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in brain of atherosclerotic rats and effects of Ginkgo biloba extract.

OBJECTIVE

To study the protein and mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the brain of rats with atherosclerosis (AS) and the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) on expressions of cytokines.

METHODS

The experimental model of AS in rats were established by intraperitioneal injection of vitamin D3 with high fat/cholesterol diet. GbE 100 mg/kg was administered to rats by ig. After 8 weeks, the expressions of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-10, and IL-10R in the brain tissues of AS rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The protein and mRNA expressions of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 in the brains were markedly higher in AS groups than that in control groups (6.11+/-0.15, 1.55+/-0.14, 0.54+/-0.04 ng/g wet weight vs 0.80+/-0.14, 0.33+/-0.09, and 0.33+/-0.02 ng/g wet weight, respectively). The protein and mRNA expressions of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in the brains were markedly lower in GbE groups (3.82+/-0.54, 0.95+/-0.08 ng/g wet weight) than that in AS groups, the protein and mRNA expressions of IL-10 and IL-10R in the brains were markedly higher in GbE groups (0.85+/-0.06 ng/g wet weight) than that in AS groups.

CONCLUSIONS

GbE inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, but up-regulated the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and IL-10R in brain, which might be related with its anti-AS actions.