ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of ginsenoside Rd on the improvement of the behavior and synaptic plasticity in rats with acute plateau status. MethodsA total of 60 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, and the intervention group, with 20 rats in each group. The model was established in low-pressure oxygen chamber simulating the plateau, and the intervention group was administered with ginsenoside. Electron microscope was used to observe synaptic ultrastructure of hippocampal CA1 area, and analyze the structural parameters on the Gray I synaptic interface. Morris water maze and Y electric maze experiment were used for behavioral detection. ResultsCompared with the control group, the number of electrical stimulation required for rat to avoid was increased in the model group, the latency in the Morris water maze was prolonged, the swimming distance was increased, and the frequency of crossing the platform was decreased. Under the electron microscope, the synaptic cleft was increased, the length of the synaptic active area was shorter, the postsynaptic density (PSD) was thinner, the flat synapse was increased, and the concave and perforated types were significantly reduced. Compared with the model group, the number of electrical stimulation required for rat to avoid was decreased in the intervention group, the latency in the Morris water maze was shortened, the swimming distance was decreased, and the frequency of crossing the platform was increased. Under the electron microscope, the synaptic cleft was decreased, PSD was thicker, the flat synapse was decreased, and the concave and perforated types were increased. ConclusionLow pressure and low oxygen environment of plateau damages the plasticity changes of the synaptic structure and function. And to a certain extent, ginsenoside Rd reverses Gray I synaptic interface structure parameters, so as to improve the behavior performance of model rats at high altitude condition.