The antiatherogenic dose response effect of verapamil in an experimental atherosclerosis model in the rabbit
Lazarová, Z.; Edelsteinová, S.; Lojda, Z.
Cor et Vasa 33(6): 480-491
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-8650 PMID: 1842941 Document Number: 376207
The aim of the study was to assess the dose dependence of the antiatherogenic effect of verapamil (Isoptin, Lek Ljubijana, Yugoslavia) in rabbits fed 1% cholesterol diet. Verapamil was administered subcutaneously at doses of 0.25, 1 and 2 mg cntdot kg-1/day at 12-hour intervals for 8 weeks. The results indicate verapamil administered s.c. exerts a preventive antiatherosclerotic effect only in therapeutic doses (0.25 mg cntdot kg-1). The beneficial effect of low-dose verapamil can also be seen in the spectrum of serum lipids as the drug lowers the levels of total cholesterol and triacylglycerols. Compared with the results obtained from a group receiving diet without Ca-antagonist premedication, high doses do not reduce the extent of atheromatous plaques.