Objective: To study whether the anti-AS effect of ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) was related with inhibitory effects on the expression of IL-1β, TNF-αand up-regulation of IL-10 and IL-10R in the heart of atherosclerotic (AS) rats. Methods : The experimental model of AS rats were established by in-traperitioneal injection of vitamin D3 with high fat and cholesterol diet. All rats were divided into 3 groups: control,AS and GbE. GbE (100 mg/kg) was administered to rats by ig. After 8 weeks, the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-10R in the heart of AS rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay, reverse transcriptase polymerasechain reaction and Western blotting. Results:The protein and mR-NA expressions of IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-10 and IL-10R were markedly higher in AS group than those in control group (P<0. 01). The protein and mRNA expressions of IL-1βand TNF-αwere markedly lower in GbE group than those in AS group; while the protein and mRNA expressions of IL-10 and IL-10R were markedly higher in GbE group than those in AS group (P<0. 01). Conclusion: GbE has significant inhibitory effects on proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, TNF-α. The up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cy-tokine IL-10,IL-10R that may be partially responsible for its anti-AS effects.
