Objective： To study whether the anti-AS effect of ginkgo biloba extract （GbE） was related with inhibitory effects on the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α and up-regulation of IL-10 and IL-10R in the heart of atherosclerotic （AS） rats. Methods： The experimental model of AS rats were established by intraperitioneal injection of vitamin D3 with high fat and cholesterol diet. All rats were divided into 3 groups： control, AS and GbE. GbE （100 mg/kg） was administered to rats by ig. After 8 weeks, the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-10R in the heart of AS rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay, reverse transcriptase polymerasechain reaction and Western blotting. Results： The protein and mRNA expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-10R were markedly higher in AS group than those in control group （P〈0.01）. The protein and mRNA expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α were markedly lower in GbE group than those in AS group; while the protein and mRNA expressions of IL-10 and IL-10R were markedly higher in GbE group than those in AS group （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： GbE has significant inhibitory effects on proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, TNF-α. The up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, IL-10R that may he partially responsible for its anti-AS effects.
