Comparison between 6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenz(c,e)azepine and lovastatin as hypolipidemic agents in rats

6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenz(c,e)azepine (azepine) and lovastatin were investigated for their hypolipidemic activity in Sprague-Dawley male rats. Azepine lowered both serum total cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels, whereas lovastatin only lowered serum total cholesterol levels significantly. Lovastatin also elevated lipid levels in tissues, whereas azepine in general did not have a similar effect. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly elevated and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reduced after treatment with both agents. Concentrations of ApoE and ApoAl of high-density lipoprotein were increased after treatment, a result that should enhance the reverse cholesterol transport process of returning cholesterol to the liver for excretion. Azepine appeared to be safe in its therapeutic range in rodents.