FROM:
Exp Toxicol Pathol 1999 (May); 51(3): 213–222
Welt K, Weiss J, Koch S, Fitzl G
Institute of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, Germany
Interstitial and microvascular disorders are
known as a characteristic part of the diabetic
cardiomyopathy and to resist partly insulin therapy. Aim of
this study was to demonstrate structure–protecting effects
of Ginkgo Extract EGb 761 known as a natural radical
scavenger in streptozotocin–diabetic rats on the
microvascular compartment. Wistar rats (n = 5) were made
diabetical by i.p. injection of 60 mg/kg body mass
streptozotocin for 4 months. Rats of the protected group (n
= 5) received daily 100 mg/kg body mass EGb 761 for 3
months, starting 1 month after induction of diabetes. 5
age–matched rats served as control. The volume fraction of
interstitium was slightly but significantly increased only
in the unprotected diabetic group. Diminishing of the
capillary to the myocyte ratio was seen in the diabetic but
not in the protected group. Immunostaining of collagen
revealed a slight increase of type III, type IV, and type VI
fibres in the interstitium, more expressed in the
unprotected group. Ultrastuctural morphometry revealed
significant thickening of endothelial and muscular basement
membranes in diabetic animals, less expressed in the EGb–
protected group. The capillary diameter was slightly
increased in the diabetic and slightly decreased in the
protected group. The number of plasmalemmal vesicles was
tendentially more decreased, that of lysosomes more
increased in the diabetic than in the protected group. It is
concluded that EGb 761 can diminish partly interstitial
fibrosis and reduce endothelial and muscular basement
membrane thickening of the diabetic myocardium. It may
contribute to prevent late diabetic complications.
![[SWIRL 2]](../GRAPHICS/SWIRL-2.GIF)