[Use of synthetic analogs of enkephalins as antiatherogenic means]

The experiments have been performed on 70 male rats weighing 200-250 gr., 53 patients with obliterating atherosclerosis of lower extremities have been examined. Leu-enkephalin analogues (dalargin and DEFN) administration in a dose of 0.1 mg/kg has been determined to decrease cholesterol levels in the blood in acute and chronic experimental hypercholesterolemia. The use of pharmacological preparation -- enkephalin analogue of dalargin in complex treatment of the obliterating atherosclerosis of lower extremities leads to cholesterol concentration decrease, parathormone concentration decrease in the blood of patients and hyperlactatemia decrease in venous blood of the damaged extremity. Leu-enkephalin analogues, action mechanisms and the possibility of their use for atherosclerosis treatment is discussed.