glucitol-hexanicotinate and Arteriosclerosis

The present investigations were performed in conscious rabbits with the aim of determining the effects of an atherogenic diet (AD) on the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and of a nicotinic acid derivative (SN) on the CBF alterations induced by the diet. Experimental atherosclerosis reduces the blood flow in the rapidly exchanging cerebrovascular compartment; SN largely counteracts this effect. The experimental data suggest that the effect of this antiatherogenic drug is not due to vasoactive properties.

Topics: Animals; Arteries; Arteriosclerosis; Blood Pressure; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Cholesterol; Diet, Atherogenic; Disease Models, Animal; Hypolipidemic Agents; Male; Nicotinic Acids; Rabbits; Sorbitol; Triglycerides

In rabbits kept on a diet containing 1 g/day cholesterol for 12 weeks, the nicotinic acid derivative sorbinicate displayed greater hypolipemic and antiatherogenic activity than an equidose of plain nicotinic acid at much lower and more constant plasma nicotinic acid levels. In normocholesterolemic rats, nicotinic acid given at a level of 300 mg/kg per dose for 3 weeks induced plasma FFA and triglyceride rebound and triglyceride accumulation in the liver and possibly in the heart (all parameters determined 24 h after the last dosing), whereas an equidose of sorbinicate was free from these effects, potentially the two most dangerous side effects of nicotinic acid. By modulating the bioavailability of nicotinic acid, sorbinicate maintains and in some cases enhances the pharmacological activity of the acid, avoiding at least some of its major side effects.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Arteriosclerosis; Cholesterol; Kinetics; Lipids; Liver; Male; Nicotinic Acids; Rabbits; Rats; Sorbitol