Effects of Levonorgestrel, Ethinylestradiol and Norethisterone on Plasma Cholesterol and Triglycerides of Wistar Albino Rat ( Rattus rattus )

The effects of Microgynon, a combined oral contraceptive pill (0.15mg levonorgestrel and 0.03mg ethinylestradiol) and Primolut -N, a progestogen only pill (5mg norethisterone) were analysed for their in-vivo effects on rat ( rattus rattus ) plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. The drugs decreased plasma cholesterol levels in a concentration dependent manner. Microgynon had the most effect, and a highest percentage decrease of 93.33% (0.002 ± 0.001 mmol/l (P < 0.05)) was observed for the highest dose of 3.6μg/100g body wt. Primolut had lesser effects with figures (0.008 ± 0.001 mmo/l and 0.009 ± 0.001mmol/l respectively). The drugs increased the levels of triglyceride with Microgynon showing the highest value (0.114 ± 0.006 mmol/l). This result indicates that lipoprotein profile are needed for women before using these drugs.