Thirty male mongrel rabbits were divided into 3 equal groups: (I)contr
ols, (2) animals receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) containing cholestero
l and coconut oil, and (3) HFD + lecithin. The experiment lasted 12 we
eks. In animals receiving a HFD (group II) the QRS interval (EGG) was
significantly prolonged, and the concentration of lipid fractions (exc
ept for HDL-cholesterol) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the blood was ma
rkedly elevated. Distinctly lower concentrations of zinc in the serum
and cytochrome P-450 in the liver microsomes were observed. When admin
istered together with the HFD, lecithin normalized QRS interval durati
on, inhibited the diet-induced lipid metabolism disturbances, reduced
MDA concentrations and increased zinc concentrations in the serum. Ele
vated 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 anim
als 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.