Effect of amiodarone on serum lipids, lipoprotein lipase, and hepatic triglyceride lipase.

We have determined the effects of chronic amiodarone treatment on lipid metabolism and compared them with those of hypothyroidism in the rat. Serum triglyceride was lower in both amiodarone-treated and hypothyroid rats; total cholesterol was higher in hypothyroid rats, and serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol remained unchanged. Amiodarone increased adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity. Hepatic triglyceride lipase activity was decreased in both hypothyroid and amiodarone-treated groups. The effects of amiodarone on serum triglyceride and adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase were reversed by concomitant administration of T3. The activity of hepatic triglyceride lipase, however, was not increased. Our findings indicate that amiodarone causes marked changes in lipid metabolism which are similar to those found in hypothyroidism.