Effect of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on serum nuclear factor‐κB content and intracellular calcium concentration after traumatic spinal cord injury

Objective To study the effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on serum nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) content and intracellular calcium ion concentration after traumatic spinal cord injury. Methods Forty-two SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (group S), trauma group (group T) and ginkgo biloba extract intervention group (group G), with an average of 14 rats in each group, The weight of the rat was 200±20g. Rats model of spinal cord injury was established in accordance with the model of Allen's hit. Rats in group G were intraperitoneally injected with Ginkgo biloba extract 100mg/kg every day for 3 consecutive days after injury. Group S and group T were given intraperitoneal injection of the same dose of normal saline. On day 4, the rats were sacrificed and the spinal cord tissues were taken out after blood collection. The calcium content of spinal cord cells was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy, and the serum NF-κB concentration was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results The calcium fluorescence intensity of spinal cord cells in the group S, group T and group G) had statistical significance (P<0.05).The intracellular calcium ion concentration of spinal cord cells in group T was the highest, followed by group G,and the intracellular calcium ion concentration of spinal cord cells in group S was the lowest. Similarly, the difference of serum NF-κB content in group S, group T and group G had statistically significant (P<0.05). The highest in group T, followed by group G, and the lowest in group S. Conclusion Ginkgo biloba leaf extract can reduce the content of nuclear factor-κB in serum and the concentration of calcium ions in spinal cord cells after traumatic spinal cord injury, reduce inflammation and calcium overload, and then might reduce the occurrence of spinal cord cell injury and edema.