F. Huguet et al., DECREASED CEREBRAL 5-HT1A RECEPTORS DURING AGING - REVERSAL BY GINKGO-BILOBA EXTRACT (EGB-761), Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 46(4), 1994, pp. 316-318
Investigation of H-38-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin binding to
5-HT1A receptors in cerebral cortex membranes of Wistar rats showed t
hat the maximal number of binding sites (B-max) was reduced significan
tly (22%) in aged (24-month-old) as compared with young (4-month-old)
animals. Chronic treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract did not alter bi
nding in young rats but increased binding density significantly (33%)
in aged rats. These results confirm previously described age-related 5
-hydroxytryptaminergic alterations. Together with data in the literatu
re, they also suggest a restorative effect in aged rats, associated wi
th decreased receptor density resulting from the protective action of
Ginkgo biloba extract treatment on neuronal membrane.