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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Establishment of an Embryo Implantation Model In Vitro
Published on: June 21, 2024
Ginkgolides induce apoptosis and decrease cell numbers in mouse blastocysts
1Department of Bioscience Technology, Center for Nanotechnology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung Li, Taiwan. whchan@cycu.edu.tw
Abstract:
In this report, we examine the cytotoxic effect of ginkgolides, the major components of Ginkgo biloba extracts, on the blastocyst stage of mouse embryos and on subsequent early postimplantation embryonic development in vitro. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay revealed that blastocysts treated with 5 or 10muM ginkgolide A or ginkgolide B showed increased apoptosis versus untreated controls. This could be correlated with the observation that ginkgolide-treated blastocysts showed a significant reduction in the average number of total cells in the blastocyst and trophectoderm/inner cell mass lineage versus controls. In addition, ginkgolide-pretreated blastocysts showed normal levels of implantation on culture dishes in vitro, but significantly fewer embryos reached the later stages of embryonic development in the treatment groups versus the controls, instead dying at relatively early stages of development. Our results collectively indicate that ginkgolide treatment of mouse blastocysts induces apoptosis, decreases cell numbers, retards early postimplantation blastocyst development, and increases early-stage blastocyst death. These novel findings provide important new insights into the effect of Ginkgo biloba extracts on mouse blastocysts.
Insights
Ginkgolides from Ginkgo biloba extracts induce apoptosis and reduce cell numbers in mouse blastocysts. This leads to impaired early embryonic development and increased early-stage blastocyst death in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ginkgo biloba extracts are widely used, but their effects on early embryonic development are not fully understood.
- Ginkgolides are major active components of Ginkgo biloba extracts.
- Understanding the impact of ginkgolides on preimplantation embryos is crucial for assessing reproductive safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic effects of ginkgolides A and B on mouse blastocysts.
- To evaluate the impact of ginkgolides on early postimplantation embryonic development in vitro.
- To determine the mechanisms underlying ginkgolide-induced embryonic toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Mouse blastocysts were treated with varying concentrations of ginkgolide A or B.
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect apoptosis.
- Cell counts of total cells, trophectoderm, and inner cell mass were quantified.
- In vitro implantation and subsequent embryonic development were monitored.
Main Results:
- Ginkgolide A and B treatment significantly increased apoptosis in blastocysts.
- Ginkgolide exposure led to a reduction in total cell numbers and lineage-specific cell counts.
- While initial implantation rates were unaffected, treated embryos showed significantly reduced development to later stages.
- Embryos treated with ginkgolides exhibited increased early-stage death.
Conclusions:
- Ginkgolides induce apoptosis and decrease cell proliferation in mouse blastocysts.
- Ginkgolide treatment retards early postimplantation development and increases embryonic lethality.
- These findings highlight potential risks associated with Ginkgo biloba extract consumption during early pregnancy.
