title: Effect of lecithin on the development of experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits.
abstract: Thirty male mongrel rabbits were divided into 3 equal groups: (1) controls, (2) animals receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) containing cholesterol and coconut oil, and (3) HFD + lecithin. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. In animals receiving a HFD (group II) the QRS interval (ECG) was significantly prolonged, and the concentration of lipid fractions (except for HDL-cholesterol) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the blood was markedly elevated. Distinctly lower concentrations of zinc in the serum and cytochrome P-450 in the liver microsomes were observed. When administered together with the HFD, lecithin normalized QRS interval duration, inhibited the diet-induced lipid metabolism disturbances, reduced MDA concentrations and increased zinc concentrations in the serum. Elevated under the influence of lecithin, the content of cytochrome P-450 in the liver microsomes was shown. Surface area of the lipid deposits at 12 weeks, measured planimetrically averaged 24.43% in HFD-fed animals vs 9.28% in lecithin-treated rabbits. We conclude that lecithin is responsible, not only for the hypolipidaemic properties, but also for the antiatherosclerotic action in rabbits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Powstancöw Wlkp. 72, PL-70-111 Szczecin.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Juźwiak
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wójcicki
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Machoy-Mokrzyńska
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Samochowiec
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Biaecka
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Juzyszyn
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barcew-Wiszniewska
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Skowron
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rózewicka
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kadlubowska