Objective: To investigate the effects of Extract of Ginkgo biloba on ICAM-1 and mRNA expression in rats with cerebral injury, and discuss its protective mechanism.
Methods: The acute closed brain injury model was set up in rats according Feeney's method. Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into four groups. The levels of ICAM-1 expression were observed using immunohistochemistry and computerized imaging technique and the expression of mRNA were studied using RT-PCR techniques.
Results: ICAM-1 positive cells located in the transitional zone between the necrotic core and normal cortex. ICAM-1 protein and mRNA expression began to show 6 hours after cerebral injury, peaked at 24 hours. As compared with the model group, ICAM-1 and mRNA expression was significantly reduced in the group EGb (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: EGb can markedly reduce the injury of nerve cell in the transitional zone, alleviate rat cerebral injury, and decrease ICAM-1 and mRNA expression and neutrophils infiltration. The protection may be related with its inhibition on ICAM-1 and mRNA expression.