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Ginkgo biloba abolishes aggression in mice lacking MAO A
1University of Southern California, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles 90089, USA. jcshih@hsc.usc.edu
Antioxidants & Redox Signaling
|March 7, 2001
Summary
Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) reduced aggression in mice lacking monoamine oxidase A (MAO A). This anti-aggressive effect may involve serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, suggesting EGb as a potential therapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) deficiency leads to elevated serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine, correlating with increased aggression.
- MAO A knockout (KO) mice serve as a valuable model for studying aggression and potential therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) on aggressive behavior in MAO A KO mice.
- To explore the potential role of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in mediating the anti-aggressive effects of EGb.
Main Methods:
- Administration of EGb to MAO A KO mice.
- Assessment of aggressive behavior using resident-intruder confrontations.
- Measurement of [3H]ketanserin binding to 5-HT2A receptors in the frontal cortex.
Main Results:
- EGb significantly reduced aggressive behavior in MAO A KO mice to wild-type levels.
- EGb did not alter locomotive behavior, ruling out sedation as a confounding factor.
- EGb decreased [3H]ketanserin binding to 5-HT2A receptors by 16.9% without affecting receptor affinity.
Conclusions:
- Ginkgo biloba extract exhibits anti-aggressive properties in a mouse model of MAO A deficiency.
- The anti-aggressive effects of EGb are likely mediated through modulation of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.
- EGb represents a potential novel therapeutic agent for managing aggressive behaviors.