Abatement of atherosclerosis by felodipine on rabbit model

AIM: To investigate the effects of felodipine on atherosclerosis.METHODS: Thirty Japanese albino rabbits were divided into 3 groups: control group,atherosclerosis group and experimental group.For 90 d,the animals in control group were fed with normal feeds,while those in atherosclerosis group and experimental group were fed with high fat feeds.The animals in experimental group were treated with felodipine for 90 d.Blood fat,nitric oxide(NO) and endothelins(ET) were tested before as well as 45 d and 90 d of the treatment.After the treatment,the animals were sacrificed for HE staining of the aorta.RESULTS: The atherosclerotic plaques were much lighter in experimental group compared with those in atherosclerosis group,but no significant difference was found in the blood fat level between the 2 groups.Plasma NO increased and ET decreased in experimental group compared with those in atherosclerosis group.CONCLUSION: Felodipine suppresses the formation of hyperlipemia-caused atherosclerotic plaque not by lowering the blood fat,which may relate with the increased plasma NO and decreased ET.