[Effect of eicosapentaenoic acid on lipid metabolism in rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis]

Group 1 rabbits received cholesterol (CS) in a dose of 0.5 g/kg/day, per os, during 4, 8 and 12 weeks that resulted in a significant increase of the total CS level in the blood serum of the total lipids (TL), phospholipids and beta-lipoproteins (3-10 times). Combined administration of CS and 40% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 0.6 ml/kg, to group 2 rabbits led to a decrease in the values studied by 20-70%. By the end of the experiment the content of CS and TL in the liver of group 2 rabbits comprised 65-71% of that recorded in group 1 animals. It was also shown that the degree of sclerotic degeneration of the thoracic aorta in group 2 was lower by 55% as compared to group 1 animals. The data obtained have evidenced the hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effect of EPA.