The antiatherogenic dose response effect of verapamil in an experimental atherosclerosis model in the rabbit.

The aim of the study was to assess the dose dependence of the antiatherogenic effect of verapamil (Isoptin, Lek Ljubljana, Yugoslavia) in rabbits fed 1% cholesterol diet. Verapamil was administered subcutaneously at doses of 0.25, 1 and 2 mg.kg-1/day at 12-hour intervals for 8 weeks. The results indicate verapamil administered s.c. exerts a preventive anti-atherosclerotic effect only in therapeutic doses (0.25 mg.kg-1). The beneficial effect of low-dose verapamil can also be seen in the spectrum of serum lipids as the drug lowers the levels of total cholesterol and triacylglycerols. Compared with the results obtained from a group receiving diet without Ca-antagonist premedication, high doses do not reduce the extent of atheromatous plaques.