Lipid peroxide, phospholipids, glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity in rat brain after ischaemia: Effect of ginkgo biloba extract

The influence of ginkgo biloba extract on the lipid peroxide product (malondialdehyde, MDA), glutathione (GSH) and phospholipids levels as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD, 1.15.1.1) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, 1.1.1.27) activities in rat brain after occlusion of common carotid arteries was investigated. Two experimental models were studied: 60 min ischaemia without reperfusion and 60 min ischaemia followed by 60 min reperfusion. Compared to sham-operated animals, ischaemia followed by reperfusion increased cytosolic LDH activity and mitochondrial lipid peroxide content and decreased the superoxide dismutase activity and mitochondrial total phospholipids level. Preischaemic administration of ginkgo biloba extract (150 mg kg(-1), p.o.) could normalize the SOD activity of the rat brain. The extract was also able to reduce the lipid peroxide and phospholipids contents of the mitochondrial rat brain. These effects could be explained on the basis of the antioxidant property of ginkgo biloba extract and suggests its beneficial role in the protection against post-ischaemic injury. (C) 1995 The Italian Pharmacological Society