EFFECT OF LECITHIN ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL ATHEROSCLEROSISIN RABBITS

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.