COMPARISON BETWEEN 6,7-DIHYDRO-5H-DIBENZ(C,E)AZEPINE AND LOVASTATIN AS HYPOLIPIDEMIC AGENTS IN RATS

6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenz(c,e)azepine (azepine) and lovastatin were invest igated for their hypolipidemic activity in Sprague-Dawley male rats. A zepine lowered both serum total cholesterol and serum triglyceride lev els, whereas lovastatin only lowered serum total cholesterol levels si gnificantly. Lovastatin also elevated lipid levels in tissues, whereas azepine in general did not have a similar effect. High-density lipopr otein cholesterol levels were significantly elevated and low-density l ipoprotein cholesterol levels were reduced after treatment with both a gents. Concentrations of ApoE and ApoAI of high-density lipoprotein we re increased after treatment, a result that should enhance the reverse cholesterol transport process of returning cholesterol to the liver f or excretion. Azepine appeared to be safe in its therapeutic range in rodents.