Effects of Extract from Ginkgo Biloba on Learning, Memory and Expression of Hippocampal Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor in Senile Mice Induced by D-galactose

Objective To explore the effect of the extract from ginkgo biloba (EGb) on learning, memory and the expression of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in the senile mice induced by D-galactose. Methods Thirty-two mice were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 mice each, i.e. blank control group, model group, low dose of EG (50 mg/kg) treatment group and high dose of EGb (100 mg/kg) treatment group. The senile mice model in the model and treatment groups induced by D-galactose. The activity of the mice was determined by the open field test in all the groups, where the ability of learning and memory of mice were examined by step down test. The expression of BDNF in the hippocampi was determined by western blotting in all the groups. Results The open field test showed that the activity of the mice in both the treatment groups significantly increased compared to that in the model group (P0.05). The step down test showed that the latent period of step-down was significantly longer and the latent period of escape was significantly shorter in both the treatment groups than that in the model group (P0.05). The expression of hippocampal BDNF was significantly enhanced in both the treatment group compared to that in the model group. Conclusions The learning, memory and open field activity in the senile mice induced by D-galactose may be improved by EGb. It is suggested that the improvement of learning, memory and open field activity may be related to the increase in the expression of hippocampal BDNF in the senile mice induced by D-galactose.