AUTHOR=Mango Dalila , Weisz Filippo , Nisticò Robert
TITLE=Ginkgolic Acid Protects against Aβ-Induced Synaptic Dysfunction in the Hippocampus
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology
VOLUME=7
YEAR=2016
URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2016.00401
DOI=10.3389/fphar.2016.00401
ISSN=1663-9812
ABSTRACT=
Ginkgo leaf is the most used form of supplement for cognitive ailments. The standardized extract formulation EGb 761 is a dietary supplement with proven benefit in several neurological and psychiatric conditions including memory decline in Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and dementia. Ginkgolic acid (GA) is a component of this extract which shows pleiotropic effects including antitumoral and anti-HIV action; however, its effect on memory is still unknown. Here, we carried out an electrophysiological analysis to investigate the effects of GA on long term potentiation and synaptic transmission at CA1 hippocampal synapses. We also evaluated the potential rescuing effect of GA on the synaptic dysfunction following in vitro application of Aβ. Data obtained indicate that GA exerts neuroprotective effects against Aβ-induced impairment of neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity.