Protective effect of extract of ginkgo biloba on survival of motor neurons after peripheral nerve injury

Objective To investigate the protective effect of extract of ginkgo biloba(EGb 761) on motor neurons survival in anterior horn of spinal cord after sciatic nerve injury in rats. Methods Model of partial resection and ligation of sciatic nerve was set up in 36 SD rats. They were divided randomly into two groups: extract of ginkgo biloba Egb 761 and saline group. Injection of EGb 761 (100 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 )or saline was undertaken respectively. At 2 ,4 and 6 week postoperatively, L 4 ～ 6 spinal cord was harvested after the rats were executed. The change of AChE and ACP were observed after histochemistrical examination, and the number of motor neuron counted after frozen slice and thionine dyeing, and ultrastructural changes of motor neurons in L 4 ～ 6 segments detected. Results Compared to the control group, there was marked improvement in bioactivity of AChE and ACP, changes of survival rate and ultrastructure of motor neurons in the experimental group. Conclusions EGb 761 might play certain protective role in survival of motor neurons after peripheral nerve injury.