[The effect of verapamil on experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits]

The model of atherosclerosis was elaborated by administration of cholesterol to rabbits in daily doses of 70 g per animal over a period of 3 months. The model served to study the effect of the calcium entry blocker Verapamil as to its potential capacity of affecting the extent of atherosclerotic changes. The thoracic aorta, the abdominal aorta, the right coronary artery and the apex of the myocardium were removed for histological evaluation. Atherosclerotic changes were assessed by light microscopy using the method of quantifying the thickening of the intima of vessels. The extent of atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries and arterioles was evaluated morphometrically. Further the presence and extent of necroses of the myocardium as well as endothelial proliferation in the capillaries of the cardiac muscle were recorded. Evaluation of the obtained results calculated as percentage of the presence of findings demonstrated a significant protective effect of Verapamil on the parameters studied.