Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Cellular Cholesterol Content and CD36 Expression of Macrophages from Diabetic Rats

We did the experiment for exploring effects of Ginkgo leaf extract (EGb) on levels of cellular cholesterol content and CD36 expression of macrophages from diabetic rats, and to investigate the possible action-mechanism of EGb treatment atherosclerosis in diabetes. Male SD rats were grouped randomly: normal control, type 2 diabetic and EGb-treated group. The rats in EGb-treated group were intraperitoneal injected EGb (8 mg kg^-1.d^-1) for 8 wk. Serum glucose, insulin and lipid were measured. Alveolar macrophages were harvested and the cellular cholesterol content was detected. CD36 expression of alveolar macrophages was detected by reversal transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed the levels of glucose, insulin, TC, TG and LDL-C of diabetic rats increased, the contents of cellular cholesterol and CD36 mRNA in the diabetic alveolar macrophages enhanced than those in control group. However, EGb treatment has the role of reverse these responses, it appears that Ginkgo biloba extract have pronounced beneficial effect of atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes.