EFFECT OF POLICOSANOL ON CIRCULATING ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS IN EXPERIMENTAL-MODELS IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS AND IN RABBITS

The effect of policosanol on circulating endothelial cells has been st udied in different experimental models with endothelium damage. Oral a dministration of 25mgkg(-1) policosanol to Sprague-Dawley rats resulte d in significant protection of the endothelial lining against the desq uamating effect of citrate. Oral administration of 5mgkg(-1) policosan ol to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) resulted in a significant reduction of circulating endothelial cells compared with controls. Mor eover, comparison between groups revealed a lower frequency of aortic lesions in policosanol-treated animals than in controls. On the other hand, administration of 5mgkg(-1) policosanol to rabbits with intimal hyperplasia induced by cuff placement in the carotid artery resulted i n levels of circulating endothelial cells significantly lower than in controls. These results demonstrate the protective effect of policosan ol in different experimental models and suggest its potential for endo thelial protection.