ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on behaviors in rat with adolescent sedentariness and its possible mechanism. Methods Twenty-four male SD rats (4-week-old) were randomly divided into normal control (NC), adolescent sedentarines (AS), and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) groups. After 4 weeks intervention with GBE, open-field test and elevated plus-maze test were performed to detect the behavioral changes. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in brain were determined by colorimetric method. Protein levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β) and β-catenin in cerebral white matter were determined by Western blotting. Results In open-field test, it was shown that the autonomic activity of rats in AS group increased, while the central regional travel time was reduced. Duration and number of residence in the open arm of elevated plus-maze test decreased in AS group. These anxiety-like behaviors were ameliorated by GBE intervention. Compared with the NC group, GSK-3β/ β-catenin ratio and the content of MDA was upregulated in AS group while downregulated in GBE group. And activity of SOD were downregulated in AS group while significantly upregulated in GBE group (P<0. 05). Conclusion Ginkgo biloba extract ameliorate anxiety-like behavior in rat with adolescent sedentariness. Wnt/ β-catenin pathway and antioxidant regulation may play a cerebral protective role.