AIM: To study the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) on the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the initiating stage of pulmonary fibrosis of rats after administration of bleomycin (BLM).METHODS: The expression of CTGF in lungs was detected by Western blotting. The content of hydroxyproline was assayed by the method of chloramines T. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma was investigated by colorimetry.RESULTS: On day 14 after administration of BLM, the contents of CTGF in lungs and MDA in plasma in BLM+NS group were higher than those in NS group, respectively (P<0.05; P<0.01). On day 30 after BLM, the contents of hydroxyproline in lungs and MDA in plasma in BLM+NS group were higher than those in NS group, respectively (both P<0.01). Treatment with GbE ameliorated the above changes induced by BLM. CONCLUSION: GbE ameliorates the up-regulation of CTGF in the initial stage of fibrosis in lungs of rats after administration of BLM. GbE prevents the hyperoxidative injury in lungs of rats after BLM, which might be one of mechanisms underling the effect of GbE on CTGF. 相似文献