Ginkgolides for inhibition of membrane expression of benzodiazepine receptors

Abstract

Ginkgolides may be used to inhibit the membrane expression of a benzodiazepine receptor in a patient and in treatments to combat excess glucocorticoid production.

1 . Use of a ginkgolide for the manufacture of a medicament for use as an inhibitor of membrane expression of a benzodiazepine receptor.  
     
     
         2 . Use of an inhibitor of membrane expression of an adrenal benzodiazepine receptor for the manufacture of a medicament for use as an inhibitor of glucocorticoid release.  
     
     
         3 . Use as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said inhibitor of membrane expression of an adrenal benzodiazepine receptor is a ginkgolide.  
     
     
         4 . Use according to  claim 1  of a ginkgolide containing extract from ginkgo biloba.  
     
     
         5 . Use as claimed in  claim 1  of a ginkgolide of formula I  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       (wherein each R 1  and R 3 , independently, is H or OH, and R 2  is H, OH, or C 1 -C 6  alkoxy) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:  
     
     
         6 . Use as claimed in  claim 5  of a ginkgolide of formula I where R 1  is OH, R 2  is H or OH, and R 3  is H, or of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.  
     
     
         7 . Use of a ginkgolide for the manufacture of a medicament for enhancing levels of ACTH.  
     
     
         8 . A pharmaceutical composition for use as an inhibitor of membrane expression of a benzodiazepine receptor, said composition comprising an effective amount of a physiologically tolerable ginkgolide together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.  
     
     
         9 . A pharmaceutical composition for use as an inhibitor of glucocorticoid release, said composition comprising an effective amount of a ginkgolide or ginkgo biloba extract together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.  
     
     
         10 . A pharmaceutical composition for use as an elevator of ACTH levels said composition comprising a physiologically tolerable ginkgolide together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.  
     
     
         11 . A method of enhancing levels of ACTH in a patient, which comprises administering to said patient an effective amount of a ginkgolide.