Effects of acetylsalicylic acid on experimental atherogenesis induced in rabbits

Inflammation related processes play a key role in the current etiologic model of atherosclerosis and its acute complications. In addition, platelet-derived growth factors stimulate the neointimal proliferation of restenosis after coronary interventions. Reducing platelet accumulation at treated sites may attenuate restenosis. The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), a widely used anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory agent on the development and extent of atherosclerosis.

Fourty-eight male white New Zealand rabbits were separated in 4 groups (12 animals each group). Group I received a diet of 2% cholesterol and 6% corn oil for 3 months. Group II received a diet of 2% cholesterol and 6% corn oil and in addition received 3 mg of ASA/kg daily intramuscular (i.m.) for 3 months. Group III received the same diet, and in addition received 10 mg of ASA/kg daily i.m. for 3 months. Group IV received the same diet and in addition received 50 mg of ASA/kg daily i.m. for 3 months. Animals were sacrificed after 3 months.

ASA reduced the serum levels of total cholesterol, total lipids, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. There was significant difference in the extent of atherosclerotic lesions between animals which received different doses of ASA and that animals which did not received any ASA. High dose ASA treatment resulted in an increase in fasting plasma glucose, associated with a reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides.

Our results suggest that there is a protective effect on atherosclerosis development of ASA down stream from where it lowers plasma fatty acid concentrations. However, further studies are required to verify that effect.