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Quantitative Autoradiographic Method for Determination of Regional Rates of Cerebral Protein Synthesis In Vivo
Published on: June 28, 2019
Effect of Tanakan on postischemic activity of protein synthesis machinery in the rat brain
M Hrehorovská1, J Burda, I Domoráková
1Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltésovej 4, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia.
Abstract:
A growing body of evidence supports the role of free radicals in triggering the functional and metabolic disturbances following transient cerebral ischemia. This study was designed to evaluate whether the extent of reperfusion-induced inhibition of protein synthesis initiation as well as tissue injury can be reduced by Tanakan (Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb 761) (Beaufour-Ipsen Industrie). Rats received Tanakan in the dose of 40 mg/kg/day for 7 days before surgical intervention. Transient forebrain ischemia was induced by 4-vessel occlusion. Rats were subjected to 20 min of ischemia followed by 30 min, 4 h or 7 days of reperfusion. Protein synthesis rate, reinitiation ability and neurodegeneration in the frontal cortex and hippocampus were measured by the incorporation of radioactively labelled leucine into polypeptide chains in postmitochondrial supernatants and by Fluoro-Jade B staining. The protective effect was observed, concerning both the protein synthesis and the number of surviving neurons, in the Tanakan-treated groups. Tanakan significantly reduced the ischemia/reperfusion-induced inhibition of translation in the neocortex as well as in the highly sensitive hippocampus. Our results indicate that free radicals play an important role in the development of reperfusion-induced injury, and the treatment of ischemic and reperfused brain with free radical scavengers may reduce the severity of reperfusion damage.
Insights
Ginkgo biloba extract (Tanakan) protected brain tissue and protein synthesis following ischemic events in rats. This suggests free radical scavengers may mitigate reperfusion damage in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Transient cerebral ischemia can lead to functional and metabolic brain disturbances.
- Free radicals are implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury.
- Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761), known as Tanakan, is investigated for its potential neuroprotective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Tanakan (Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb 761) in mitigating reperfusion-induced inhibition of protein synthesis and neuronal injury following transient forebrain ischemia in rats.
Main Methods:
- Rats were pretreated with Tanakan (40 mg/kg/day for 7 days) before inducing 20-minute transient forebrain ischemia.
- Reperfusion periods varied (30 min, 4 h, 7 days).
- Protein synthesis rates (leucine incorporation) and neurodegeneration (Fluoro-Jade B staining) were assessed in the frontal cortex and hippocampus.
Main Results:
- Tanakan treatment significantly reduced ischemia/reperfusion-induced inhibition of protein synthesis in both the neocortex and hippocampus.
- A protective effect was observed regarding the number of surviving neurons in Tanakan-treated rats.
- The study demonstrated Tanakan's ability to preserve protein synthesis and reduce neurodegeneration.
Conclusions:
- Free radicals play a critical role in the development of reperfusion-induced brain injury.
- Treatment with free radical scavengers like Tanakan can potentially reduce the severity of brain damage following ischemia and reperfusion.
