Abstract | BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Neurodegenerative processes of aging seem to be associated with oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study investigates the influence of age and of acute respiratoric hypoxia on parameters of oxidative stress in different brain regions of Wistar rats and the protective effects of Ginkgo extract ( EGb 761) as a radical scavenger. METHODS: RESULTS: Effects of age: While most oxidative stress parameters in the temporal cortex, the cerebellum, and the brainstem are increased, this is not the case in the frontal cortex; after additional hypoxia SOD and GSH are diminished in the temporal cortex and the brainstem of old rats. EGb treatment causes contradictory alterations in young, old, and hypoxic brain regions. Minor effects are seen in old hypoxic brains, while there are some protective effects in old normoxic brainstems and cerebellums. CONCLUSIONS: The old brain appears to adapt appropriately to chronic oxidative stress and to the specific conditions of shortterm hypoxia. EGb's protective effect is especially notable in the brainstem and the cerebellum.
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Authors | Rosemarie Martin, Christian Mozet, Hans Martin, Klaus Welt, Christoph Engel, Günther Fitzl |
Journal | Aging clinical and experimental research
(Aging Clin Exp Res)
Vol. 23
Issue 4
Pg. 255-63
(Aug 2011)
ISSN: 1594-0667 [Print] Germany |
PMID | 20802257
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Plant Extracts
- Ginkgo biloba extract
- Superoxide Dismutase
- Creatine Kinase
- Glutathione
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Topics |
- Aging
(physiology)
- Animals
- Brain
(anatomy & histology, drug effects, metabolism)
- Creatine Kinase
(metabolism)
- Ginkgo biloba
(chemistry)
- Glutathione
(metabolism)
- Hypoxia
(metabolism)
- Male
- Oxidative Stress
(drug effects)
- Plant Extracts
(pharmacology)
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Superoxide Dismutase
(metabolism)
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