Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the protective effects of extract gingko biloba (EGb) on the myocardium mitochondria of diabetic rats.Methods40 Sprague-Dauley rats were divided randomly into the normal control group, diabetic group and EGb treatment group. The morphologic changes of myocardium mitochondria were studied by electron microscope, and the activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and content of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) in the myocardium mitochondria were assayed by spectophotometer respectively.ResultsThe expansion of mitochondria, shorten of mitochondrial crest were observed under transmission electron microscope in diabetic rats. The activities of SOD and SDH decreased, but that of NOS and the content of NO increased in the diabetic group compared with control group. In EGb treatment group, the morphological change was slight, the activities of SOD and SDH were increased as well as NOS and the content of NO, MDA decreased compared with the diabetic group.ConclusionEGb can protect myocardium mitochondria of experimentally diabetic rats from lesion of free radical and excessive NO, and enhance the activity of SDH, protect myocardium of diabetic rat consequently.

Key words: diabetes mellitus, extract gingko biloba, myocardium, mitochondria