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

Aim:To study the protein and mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the brain of rats with atherosclerosis(AS)and theeffects of Ginkgo biloba extract(GbE)on expressions of cytokines.Methods:The expermental model of AS in rats were established by intraperitioneal injectionof vitamin D3 with high fat/cholesterol diet.GbE 100 mg/kg was administered torats by ig.After 8 weeks,the expressions of IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-10,and 1L-10R in thebrain tissues of AS rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay,immunohistochemistry,Western blotting,and reverse transcriptase polymerasechain reaction.Results:The protein and mRNA expressions of IL-1β,TNF-α,andIL-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,and0.33±0.02 ng/g wet weight,respectively).The protein and mRNA expres-sions of IL-1β and TNF-α 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 andmRNA expressions of IL-10 and 1L-10R in the brains were markedly higher in GbEgroups(0.85±0.06 ng/g wet weight)than that in AS groups.Conclusion:GbEinhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α,but up-regulated the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines,1L-10 and IL-10R in brain,which might be related with its anti-AS actions.