Phytotherapy research : PTR
-
We aimed to study the effects of gingko biloba extract (EGb) on oxidative stress, astrocyte maturation and cognitive disfunction in offspring of hyperhomocysteinemic rats. Hyperhomocysteinemia was induced in the pregnant rats by administration of methionine (1 gr/kg body weight) dissolved in drinking water throughout pregnancy. One group of animals has received same amount of methionine plus 100 mg/kg/day EGb during pregnancy. ⋯ EGb administration improved GFAP expression significantly. Offspring of hyperhomocysteinemic animals had poor long term spatial memory performance on Morris water maze and EGb administration had no effect on impaired spatial memory. In conclusion, maternally induced hyperhomocysteinemia significantly increased oxidative stress, decreased expression of GFAP and impaired learning performance.