Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Atherosclerosis in Common Carotid Artery of Rabbits

Objective To investigate the effect of Ginkgo Biloba extract(GBE)on the atherosclerosis in common carotid artery of rabbits and to explore its mechanism.Methods Twenty-three new Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into control group,sham-operation group,atherosclerosis group(AS),and GBE group.Rabbit models of atherosclerosis were induced by high-fat diet combined with balloon injury.The medication lasted 4 weeks.Serum lipid levels in all 4 groups were detected.The carotid artery segments were harvested for histomorphological observation.Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)protein level were tested though immunohistochemical assay.Expression of MCP-1 gene was detected by RT-PCR.Results GBE(100 mg/kg/d)could not lower serum lipid level(P 0.05),but significantly inhibited the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and reduced the expression of MCP-1(P 0.05).Conclusion GBE can inhibit MCP-1 expression in common carotid artery of atherosclerotic rabbits,which may play an important role in preventing atherosclerosis.