Abstract
The effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) and l -carnitine on bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis were studied in rats. BLM (cumulative dose of 180 mgkg−1) was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) three times weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. Treatment with BLM enhanced the responsiveness of isolated pulmonary arterial rings to serotonin (5-HT), significantly increased the normal serum level of tumour necrosis factor (TNF- α) by ∼105% and markedly elevated the level of lipid peroxide (LPO) and collagen content in the lung homogenates by 34 and 83%, respectively. EGb 761 (100mgkg−1 ), given in drinking water for the whole study period, totally abolished the BLM-induced alterations in the measured biochemical and pharmacological parameters. Meanwhile, l -carnitine (500 mg kg−1 ), administered in drinking water, significantly decreased the BLM-induced elevations of serum TNF-α , LPO level in lung tissues and the enhanced responsiveness of pulmonary arterial rings to 5-HT. However,l -carnitine did not reduce the increase in the collagen content produced by BLM. The results of the present study indicate the beneficial effects of EGb 761 and l -carnitine against lung toxicity induced by BLM treatment. Furthermore, the present data shows the advantageous use of EGb 761 as a protective agent in BLM-induced lung fibrosis under the experimental circumstances.