Effects of ginkgolide B on [ Ca~(2+) ]_i and mitochondrial function of cultured rat retinal neurons in vitro / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To observe the effect of ginkgolide B (CB) on the intracellular calcium ion concentration ( [ Ca~(2+) ]_i) and mitochondrial function of cultured rat retinal neurons in vitro. METHODS: in vitro primary culture of rat retinal neurons was used in the experiment. The apoptosis model of glutamate - induced retinal neurons was established and co - cultured with ginkgolide B. The [ Ca~(2+) ]_i and mitochondrial membrane potential of the retinal neurons were detected by laser scanning confocal microscope. RESULTS: Glutamate decreased the survival rate of retinal neurons, increased the apoptosis and the [ Ca~(2+) ]_i, lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential. The [ Ca~(2+) ]_i was clearly diminished and the mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly increased with the GB intervention, and the apoptosis decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: GB protects retinal neurons from glutamate induced neurotoxicity. The effect of GB on retinal neurons might be due to its ability to decrease the [Ca~(2+) ]_i and increase mitochondrial membrane potential.