Alleviation of spinal cord injury by Ginkgolide B via the inhibition of STAT1 expression

Abstract

Ginkgolide B has been known to inhibit cell apoptosis by modulating multiple cytokines and plays an important role in neuroprotection. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) has been studied in a spinal cord injury (SCI) model. However, the role of Ginkgolide B in SCI treatment remains unclear. This study investigated the potential mechanism of Ginkgolide B using an SCI rat model. SD rats were used to generate an SCI model followed by Ginkgolide B injection (4 mg/kg) for 14 days. Spinal cord tissue samples were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of STAT1 was determined by western blot. Using a dyskinesia scale, intervention with Ginkgolide B significantly decreased the severity of SCI. H&E staining revealed less nuclear condensation and cell necrosis in SCI rats after treatment with Ginkgolide B. STAT1 expression was significantly increased in SCI model rats, but was lower after Ginkgolide B treatment. Therefore, Ginkgolide B can effectively inhibit STAT1 expression and alleviate SCI.