EXTRACORPOREAL ENZYMATIC REMOVAL OF LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS IN RABBITS - EFFICACY AND SAFETY

An extracorporeal circuit incorporating a plasma separator reactor (PS R) was designed to modify low density lipoproteins (LDL). The PSR was tested in vivo with hypercholesterolemic New Zealand White rabbits. Th e bioreactor enzymatically converts LDL to a form that can be removed by the body at an enhanced rate. The physiological response of hyperch olesterolemic New Zealand White rabbits to 90 minute extracorporeal tr eatments was monitored. The total plasma cholesterol concentration in the treated rabbits fell sharply (up to 40% decrease) during and follo wing the treatment. Results of safety tests indicate no significant en zyme leaching from the device, no disruption or damage to erythrocytes , no increase in white blood cell count and no liver damage as indicat ed by five enzyme assays. All safety measurements suggest that the tre atment is safe.