The effect of colchicine on the development of experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits.

Abstract

The effect of colchicine on the course of experimental atherosclerosis was investigated in rabbits receiving for 3 months a high-lipid diet (HLD) in addition to the basal diet. Colchicine was given in a dose of 0.2 mg/kg ip twice a week. An evident antiatherosclerotic action of colchicine was demonstrated both by macroscopic and microscopic investigation of the aorta. The level of blood total lipids was significantly depressed, and the level of triglycerides was back to normal. The content of total lipids in liver homogenates was similar to that in the controls. A significant decline in the fibrinogen concentration in the blood of rabbits receiving colchicine was also found.