Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) protects Na,K-ATPase activity during cerebral ischemia in mice

NEUROPROTECTIVE drugs such as Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) could prevent the ischemia-induced impairment of the Na,K-ATPase activity. In this study , Na,K-ATPase activity and expression, contents in fatty acids and malondia ldehyde, an index of lipoperoxidation, were compared in the ipsilateral (is chemic) and the contralateral (unlesioned) cortices after Ih of unilateral focal cortices cerebral ischemia in the mouse. EGb 761 (100 mg/kg) was admi nistered daily to half of the animals for 10 days before ischemia. Ischemia significantly reduced Na,K-ATPase activity by about 40% and increased malo ndialdehyde content; EGb 761 pretreatment abolished these effects. The free radical scavenger properties of EGb 761 are a potential mechanism by which Na,K-ATPase injury and lipoperoxidation are prevented. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.