DECREASED CEREBRAL 5-HT1A RECEPTORS DURING AGING - REVERSAL BY GINKGO-BILOBA EXTRACT (EGB-761)

Investigation of [H-3]8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin binding to 5-HT1A receptors in cerebral cortex membranes of Wistar rats showed that the maximal number of binding sites (B-max) was reduced significantly (22%) in aged (24-month-old) as compared with young (4-month-old) animals. Chronic treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract did not alter binding in young rats but increased binding density significantly (33%) in aged rats. These results confirm previously described age-related 5-hydroxytryptaminergic alterations. Together with data in the literature, they also suggest a restorative effect in aged rats, associated with decreased receptor density resulting from the protective action of Ginkgo biloba extract treatment on neuronal membrane.