The Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb 761, fails to reduce brain infarct size in rats after transient, middle cerebral artery occlusion in conditions of unprevented, ischemia-induced fever.

There is much biochemical evidence, but very few studies in animal models of stroke in vivo, to suggest that Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) may offer neuroprotection against regional, ischemic brain damage; additional investigations are needed to ensure future clinical trials. This study reports the effects of EGb 761 given acutely or chronically before ischemia. Rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h and the brain infarct size was assessed 24 h later.

A novel version of the 8-arm radial maze: effects of cerebral ischemia on learning and memory.

A novel version of the 8-arm radial maze task was developed to quantify spatial learning and memory in rats subjected to transient cerebral ischemia (TCI) using the 4-VO model. This maze uses the rat's natural behavior of avoiding open, illuminated areas, and preference for a darkened, enclosed shelter. Ischemic rats were required to escape from the central area into the darkened goal box.