The effect of low-dose aspirin and dipyridamole upon atherosclerosis in the rabbit

To examine the effect of antiplatelet therapy upon atherosclerosis in an animal model, aspirin and dipyridamole were administered to female New Zealand rabbits while they were fed a 2% cholesterol diet. Four experimental groups of 15 animals were established: Group I (Control), no medication; Group II, aspirin, 40 mg orally five days a week; Group III, dipyridamole, 25 mg orally five days a week; Group IV, aspirin and dipyridamole. After seven weeks, the animals were sacrificed and their aortas were removed and stained. Group means of the percentage of total aortic lumenal surface occupied by gross atheromata were calculated and statistically compared with the control group mean: Group I - 49%, Group II 36%, p = NS, Group III - 47%, Group IV - 25%, p less than .01. Histologic sections of each aorta confirmed the stained areas to be atheromata of varying complexity. The lesions in animals treated with dipyridamole alone exhibited a distinct increase in smooth muscle cell proliferation. For animals receiving a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole the lesions were smaller and less advanced than those in the control group. These findings indicate that experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits is modified by the administration of anti-platelet agents and that atheroma formation is significantly inhibited when aspirin and dipyridamole are given in combination.