Human equivalent doses of platelet inhibitors and experimental atherosclerosis

The effects of aspirin, dipyridamole and sulfinpyrazone on the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta were studied in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Aspirin and sulfinpyrazone prevented the development of atherosclerosis, whereas dipyridamole-treated animals developed advanced atherosclerotic lesions. As all the three drugs inhibit platelet function, some non-platelet effects are probably responsible for the differences in results. It is felt that dipyridamole should be avoided in hypercholesterolemic individuals.